Supplements for Healthy Skin

Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on June 22, 2021
photo of woman taking supplement

Aging and the sun take a toll on our skin. Increasingly, people are taking antioxidants to their skin care routine. Their goal: Help protect skin from the inside out.

Supplements for Skin and Beauty

Certain vitamins and antioxidants may improve the health and quality of your skin. Vitamins C and E, and selenium are antioxidants that may help protect skin from sun damage.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is key for cell growth, and often used as a topical antiaging treatment.

Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, acts as an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that helps tissue grow and repair itself.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps the body regulate retinol levels, which is essential for healthy skin.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that may help protect the skin against sun damage and wrinkles.

Information About Vitamins and Supplements
Do you know how to evaluate vitamins and supplements? There are so many vitamins, supplements, and herbal extracts on the shelves. Use these tips to find out which ones may be right for you.

Safe Upper Limits for Vitamins and Minerals
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, how much should you take? Find out the safe upper limits for the vitamins you take, as well as the recommended daily allowance you may need.

Vitamin and Supplement Glossary: Common Definitions
This glossary provides simple definitions for common terms such as antioxidants, fat soluble, or phytochemicals. Find out what the lingo really means.

Show Sources

SOURCES: Burke, K. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004; vol 3: pp 149-155. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D." Lamberg. L. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 1998; vol 279: pp 1427-1428. Katiyar, S. Archives of Dermatology, 2000; vol 136: pp 989-994.

Helfrich, Y. Archives of Dermatology, 2007; vol 143; pp 397-402.

Elmets, C. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2001; vol 44: pp 425-432.

Heinrich, U Journal of Nutrition, 2006; vol 136: pp 1565-1569.

Lee, K. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2008; vol 50: pp 99-107.

Kitazawa, M. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2005; vol 81: pp 970-974.

Harvard Health Publications: "Online Medical Dictionary."

FamilyDoctor.org: "Vitamins and Minerals: What You Should Know," "Fat-Soluble Vitamins."

© 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info