Collagen
Collagen is a natural component of skin that declines as you age, resulting in thinner, less elastic, more saggy skin. Two 2014 studies found that oral supplementation with this may improve skin elasticity and diminish wrinkles.
Silica
This makes hot springs pretty and blue in color. Silica is a trace mineral that helps soothe psoriasis, eczema and rashes when applied topically. Taken internally, silica helps you make collagen naturally, strengthening your nails.
Vitamin E
You may think of rubbing vitamin E oil directly on your skin to prevent scars, but taken orally, vitamin E is a powerful cellular antioxidant, which means it gobbles up free radicals that could otherwise potentially damage your skin cells and lead to premature aging.
Zinc
It’s not just for your prostate, or for colds! This mineral reduces skin inflammation and irritation, whether that’s associated with acne, pimples, or rashes. It also plays a role in managing the production and turnover of skin cells. When I worked in nursing homes with residents who had painful diabetesrelated wounds, or decubitis ulcers, we always put them on zinc and vitamin C. Be careful with zinc, don’t take too much. In fact avoid it if you take ginkgo biloba, ibuprofen or warfarin because it slightly increases risk of bleeding. If you’d like to read the longer version of this article, it’s available at my website, suzycohen.com Please make sure to ask your doctor if these supplements are right for you. This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. Always consult your physician for all medical matters. Visit www.SuzyCohen.com. ©2017 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc. The Best Of Times
April 2017
29