Some days back I went for a facial to a saloon and got totally perplexed. The lady in charge presented me with a long list of options to choose from. When I asked her what the difference between all the facials was, she educated me about the different creams and packs she used in different types of facials. The variety of creams and packs were enriched with a range of vitamins and minerals which are essential for a glowing skin. I came back and did some research to find out that vitamins play a pivotal role in maintaining a glowing and healthy skin. Our skin is always craving for nutrients, but most of us are not careful enough to provide it with a regular dose of these essential nutrients. These nutrients are rich in antioxidants that work wonders on the skin, thus bringing out the charm of a lady in the most beautiful manner. The various essential vitamins are vitamin A, C, E, B complex and K.

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. It helps in the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. This vitamin is also a powerful antioxidant which flushes out free radicals and toxins from the body and prevents wrinkling. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamin A.

Vitamin B Complex helps in maintaining healthy skin tone and aids in relieving anxiety and stress. It is vital for improving circulation and metabolism. It’s important in the functioning of the immune system and antibody production. Inadequate amounts of this vitamin may lead to dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. This vitamin is found in many foods including bananas, eggs, oatmeal, and rice, plus our body also makes some biotin on its own.

Vitamin C is essential to maintain our good looks and prevents the appearance of “broken blood vessels”. It acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in healing wounds because it aids in stabilizing collagen. If applied regularly, this vitamin may lessen the severity of sunburns. “Topical Vitamin C can prevent the consequences of prolonged sun exposure which can lead to skin cancer,” says Karen E. Burke, MD, in a news release. Fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens are rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that may have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Vitamin E has been known to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provide modest photo protection. Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus.

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin as it works well to reduce circles under the eye as well as bruises. In research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors from the University Of Miami School Of Medicine found that skin treatments with vitamin K cream after laser surgery significantly reduced bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for the dark circles.

We all like to get pampered by someone. It makes us feel wanted and cared for. Similarly our skin also needs a lot of pampering to remain supple, soft and smooth. All we need to do is spare a few minutes daily, from our busy schedules, to work on skin nourishment. A little bit of care goes a long way in maintaining a healthy and radiant skin.