Nutricosmetics

Again a complex term: nutricosmetics. This is the collective name for nutrients which have a beneficial effect on the skin. In simple terms: by using these substances your skin improves. In particular anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C and E are mentioned. At the moment these are the only nutrients which are proven to work. But there is a large group of chemicals still being investigated which could possibly be of importance.

Good or not?

In the medical world it is well known that a deficiency in nutrients can cause skin problems. Pellagra results from a deficiency in Vitamin B3 and scurvy from a deficiency in Vitamin C. But there is no standard on the maximum amount you are allowed to consume. What is known, though, is that too much Vitamin A can lead to skin problems (cracks and dryness). Because of insufficient investigations and possible negative effects, most dermatologists are not so in favour of nutricosmetics.

Regards Peter.

Peter Velthuis is the medical director and Dermatologist at the Velthuis Clinic. He writes as my guest blogger.

Also read the other blogs from Peter Velthuis and also ‘The Effectiveness of Anti-Oxidants in a Cream’.