What Nutrients Are Made in the Skin? Interesting Facts!

Our skin is the largest organ on our body which serves so many purposes to protect us. Our skin helps our body to maintain normal temperature through perspiration. In addition, human skin protects our internal organs, blood vessels and nerve endings. Skin cells are continually being renewed on a daily basis. Some vitamins are actually made in the skin such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin D. Vitamin D can be taken in supplement form and it is also found in certain foods like milk, cheese, and eggs.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is made in the skin through sunlight exposure. There are five forms of vitamin D known as D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 that are all made in the same way. Vitamin D3 has been shown to be the most effective type for the immune system. Vitamin D2 is also another very important form of vitamin D which is has been shown to influence calcium absorption and weight loss.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a vitamin that is made in the skin, and very beneficial when applied directly on the skin as well. Hyaluronic acid can also be made using bacteria in a lab. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin to retain moisture, improve fullness, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall complexion. Hyaluronc acid can also be found in certain foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and some sea algae.

Health Benefits

Vitamins that are made in the skin also provide the body with additional health benefits. Vitamin D promotes healthy skin, but this particular vitamin also boosts your metabolic rate, and has a dramatic effect on the flu. The skin will make less hyaluronic acid as we age, so it is essential to assist the skin by eating foods rich in HA or take supplements. Many spas also sell topical hyaluronic acid also.

Anti-aging

Both vitamin D and Hyaluronic acid both help with anti-aging. Vitamin D helps to protect skin cells and prevent skin hyper pigmentation. In addition, vitamin D helps to block UVA rays when combined with vitamin E. Hyaluronic acid speeds the skin renewal process and helps to promote the formation of collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin help skin to maintain a youthful appearance.

Considerations

Even though we get vitamin D from the sun and then it is made in the skin, you still need to be cautious about how much sun you get. You only need 20 minutes of sunshine per day to get adequate vitamin D, and you can also take vitamin D supplements. The sun is good for you, but some people take this too far, and get so much sun that it actually has an opposite effect on the skin. Do everything in moderation.

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Vitamin D Council

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitaminDPhysiology.shtml

Consumer Health Information

http://www.consumer-health.com/services/VitaminDTheSunshineVitamin.htm

Skin Care

http://www.herballuxuries.com/natbeauty.asp

Hyaluronic Acid

http://www.medicinenet.com/hyaluronic_acid/article.htm

Naturopathic Medicine Network

http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_diet/3.html

Global Goodness

http://www.experiencefestival.com/vitamin_d_-_human_skin_production_of_vitamin_d

Vitamin D and Cancer

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1189684/A-vitamin-sun-provide-protection-cancer-scientists-say.html