However, the appearance of our skin, hair and nails is not just an external feature, but also reflects the state of health of our body.
In order to maintain the health of skin, hair and nails, it is important not only to provide external care and protection from harmful environmental influences but also to ensure that the body is well supplied with certain nutrients.
In the following, we would like to first give you a brief overview of the functions and structure of skin, hair and nails and then introduce you to the most important nutrients that are needed for their development and maintenance.
Skin – An organ with many functions
As our direct boundary to the outside world, our skin is exposed to a multitude of influences every day. It protects the body from heat, cold, UV radiation, infectious agents, and injuries.
In addition to its function as a “protective covering”, the skin fulfills numerous other functions:
- Sense organ for perceiving pressure, temperature and pain
- Formation of vitamin D
- Regulation of body temperature
- Storage of fat as an energy reserve
- Protection against excessive water loss
Structure of skin, hair and nails
The structure of the skin can be divided into the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue.
The epidermis consists of a multilayered epithelium, which is protected from the outside world by a stratum corneum. The epidermis renews itself continuously. One cycle lasts approximately one month.
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis. This consists largely of connective tissue fibers such as collagen and elastin, which ensure the skin's strength and elasticity.
The dermis also contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has a strong water-binding effect, thus naturally "cushioning" the skin. The dermis also contains sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and nerves.
The deepest layer is the subcutaneous tissue, which is composed mainly of fatty tissue and loose connective tissue and contains numerous blood vessels and nerve fibers.
Hair and nails are so-called skin appendages, as they are formed from specialized cells in the skin. Hair, nails, and the stratum corneum of the epidermis consist primarily of the structural protein keratin.
How does skin age?
The three layers of skin change with age. This includes a decrease in collagen and elastic fibers, a loss of water and fatty tissue, a deterioration in blood vessel supply, and a slowing of skin metabolism. The skin increasingly loses its firmness and elasticity. It becomes increasingly loose, thinner, and more wrinkled.
Skin aging is a natural process and cannot be prevented. However, the aging process doesn't have to happen quickly. Beautiful and healthy skin is not a matter of age.
Lifestyle has a huge impact on skin health and aging. An unhealthy diet, excessive stress, lack of sleep, insufficient exercise, toxins in food and the environment, alcohol consumption, smoking, UV radiation, and nutrient deficiencies are all important causative factors that can significantly accelerate skin aging.
A key damaging mechanism is the formation of free radicals ( oxidative stress ) in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that can attack cells and tissue components, such as protein structures, so that they can no longer fulfill their biological function. This promotes the development of diseases and leads to premature aging.
All of the factors just mentioned increase the formation of free radicals in the body and therefore also in the skin.
Healthy skin, hair and nails
There are a few things you can do to keep your skin young and healthy:
- Protect yourself from strong sunlight.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and avoid sugar, food additives, highly processed foods and too many animal products.
- Drink plenty of good quality water.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
- Exercise daily.
- Reduce your stress levels.
- Pay attention to low-pollutant foods, household products and cosmetics.
- Have existing health problems (e.g. intestinal health) treated holistically.
- Provide your body with all the macro and micronutrients it needs.
The following text focuses on the last point in particular. We will introduce you to the most important nutrients associated with healthy skin.
Zinc – The all-rounder
The trace element zinc is involved in over 300 metabolic reactions. It acts as a cofactor (auxiliary substance) for enzymes, enabling their proper functioning ( 1 ).
An important function of zinc is its participation in the proper process of cell division. In the skin, this is particularly important for the proliferation of keratinocytes. These are the horn-forming cells responsible for the formation of the protective horny layer of the epidermis, as well as for the formation of hair and nails ( 1 ).
In cases of zinc deficiency, the skin surface becomes rougher and less resistant to pathogen penetration. Hair may appear brittle, thinner, and more fragile. Brittle nails, inflammation of the nail bed, white spots, and ridges on the nails are also signs of zinc deficiency ( 2 ).
Zinc is also crucial for collagen formation, wound healing, immune system function, and vitamin A metabolism. It also acts as an antioxidant and can therefore protect skin cells from free radicals ( 1 ).
A zinc deficiency promotes the progression of skin aging through reduced collagen fiber formation and increased exposure to oxidative stress. A weakened immune system also promotes infections.
Since the body has no storage capacity for zinc, regular, sufficient intake through food or dietary supplements is essential ( 3 ).
Zinc from Allvital contains a combination of three organic zinc salts, all of which have high bioavailability and good tolerability.
Zinc is also contained in the Immune Complex supplement. Here, it is combined with other antioxidants and the substance humicin, which can bind heavy metals in the intestines, among other things. This makes Immune Complex ideal for strengthening the immune system and promoting skin health.
Vitamin C – Powerful antioxidant and collagen booster
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin particularly known for its immune-boosting effects. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant and acts as a cofactor for various enzymes. For example, it is crucial for collagen formation and thus for the elasticity and strength of connective tissue ( 4 ).
A vitamin C deficiency therefore manifests itself primarily in a deterioration in the quality of connective tissue. This promotes the development of cellulite, stretch marks, and wrinkles, for example, and leads to impaired wound healing. Furthermore, the body's defenses against infectious pathogens are reduced in cases of vitamin C deficiency.
Severe deficiency over several months can even lead to bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes and loosening of the teeth. These are typical symptoms of the well-known vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy ( 4 ).
Vitamin C is included in many of our dietary supplements. The Vitamin C Complex supplement contains vitamin C from various natural sources combined with the essential amino acid lysine and green tea extract. Lysine promotes, among other things, the absorption of vitamin C, and the green tea extract further enhances the product's antioxidant effect.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene – anti-aging in many ways
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in skin health and many other important processes in the body such as vision, immune function and cell differentiation ( 5 ).
Vitamin A is only found in animal foods. Instead, plant foods contain various vitamin A precursors that can be converted to vitamin A to varying degrees. The most important precursor is the carotenoid beta-carotene ( 5 ).
Vitamin A promotes the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin and supports cell renewal. It thus counteracts skin aging in various ways. Furthermore, vitamin A regulates sebum production and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of acne.
Vitamin A can be applied to the skin or taken orally for these purposes.
Beta-carotene is largely converted into vitamin A in the body. It also has a strong antioxidant effect and thus protects skin cells from oxidative stress ( 5 ).
Vitamin A and beta-carotene can be found in our Multivitamin Basic and Multivitamin Booster supplements. These products combine 47 different vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, and natural antioxidants. Multivitamin Booster contains twice the dosage of Multivitamin Basic.
Beta-carotene is also found in the powerful antioxidant blend Curcumin Plus .
Selenium – Important antioxidant
The trace element selenium is an important component of various antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidases. These enzymes are present in all cells of the body and protect against free radicals ( 6 ). Selenium is also important for the normal function of the immune system and for the activation of thyroid hormones.
A selenium deficiency can have a negative impact on the skin, hair and nails in various ways.
A reduction in antioxidant protection and a weakened immune system promote the occurrence of various diseases. Studies show, for example, a link between selenium deficiency and the occurrence of psoriasis, various forms of acne, and atopic dermatitis ( 7 ).
A deficiency in thyroid hormones, which can be related to a selenium deficiency, also has negative consequences for the skin. For example, sweat and sebum production are reduced, causing the skin to become rougher and drier.
Selenium is also important for maintaining healthy hair and nails. Reduced hair growth, brittle and thinning hair, or hair loss, as well as nail changes such as white patches, can therefore indicate a deficiency in this trace element.
Selenium from Allvital contains high doses of sodium selenite and is therefore the ideal product for those with an existing selenium deficiency.
B vitamins – strengthened skin barrier
B vitamins are a large group of water-soluble vitamins that are involved in countless vital processes in the body. Of particular interest for skin health are biotin (vitamin B7) and niacin (vitamin B3).
Biotin is important for the formation of keratin, the most important component of the stratum corneum of the skin, hair, and nails. Biotin strengthens the skin barrier and strengthens hair and nails.
Niacin plays a role in the energy metabolism of skin cells and promotes the regeneration of skin and mucous membranes.
Alvital's Vitamin B Complex contains all eight B vitamins in high doses. Biotin can also be found in combination with vitamin B12 and folic acid in the Vitamin B12 Lozenge with Folic Acid preparation, as these vitamins complement each other perfectly. Niacin is also available as a standalone supplement in the form of niacinamide in our product range.
Sulfur – formation of keratin and collagen
The mineral sulfur is important for the formation of structural proteins such as keratin and collagen, and is therefore of great importance for the health of the skin's connective tissue, as well as for the formation of hair and nails. Sulfur is also important for the function of the immune system and, as a component of glutathione, contributes to the body's antioxidant protection.
The natural sulfur compound methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is particularly suitable for supplementing sulfur.
Vitamin E – Antioxidant Mix
Vitamin E is a collective term for various fat-soluble substances that act as important antioxidants in the body. Vitamin E, in particular, protects unsaturated fatty acids from damage caused by free radicals.
Our Vitamin E Complex contains all naturally occurring forms of vitamin E and can therefore ideally contribute to the antioxidant protection of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid – moisture for the skin
Hyaluronic acid is an important component of connective tissue and is found in skin, cartilage, bones, and synovial fluid, among other things. Because hyaluronic acid has a strong water-binding capacity, it provides moisture, elasticity, and firmness to the tissue.
Hyaluronic acid from Allvital is therefore ideal for counteracting the decreasing levels of hyaluronic acid that come with age.
L-Lysine – Important for collagen formation
The amino acid L-lysine cannot be produced by the body itself. It is therefore considered an essential amino acid. L-lysine is important for the functioning of the immune system and for collagen formation, among other things.
With Allvital's Lysine Complex, you receive a comprehensive amino acid supplement containing the amino acids lysine, proline, and taurine. We have combined all eight essential amino acids for you in the Amino 8 supplement.
Other important nutrients
The effects of nutrients are often very complex, meaning that numerous other macro- and micronutrients influence skin health. This list could go on and on.
Some other examples are:
- Copper (preparation: e.g. minerals plus trace elements )
- Silicon (preparation: e.g. minerals plus trace elements )
- Omega-3 fatty acids (preparation: e.g. DHA plus EPA )
- Astaxanthin (preparation: e.g. Astaxanthin Plus )
- Quercetin (preparation: e.g. Quercetin phospholipid , Curcumin Plus )
Which product and how much should I take?
Due to the decreasing levels of important nutrients in our food and the increased exposure of the body to environmental toxins, stress, etc., the need for these vital substances is increasing. Many people today are no longer optimally supplied and can therefore benefit from taking dietary supplements.
To select the ideal combination of products, it is recommended to have your blood levels checked regularly (e.g., every 6 to 12 months). A full blood mineral analysis should be performed to check your mineral and trace element intake. Furthermore, all vitamins, amino acids, and the supply of various fatty acids can be tested in the laboratory.
Our combination products Multivitamin Basic , Multivitamin Booster , Multivitamin Children and Minerals plus Trace Elements are particularly suitable for people who suffer from a variety of deficiencies.
Sources
- Zou P, Du Y, Yang C, Cao Y. Trace element zinc and skin disorders. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023;9:1093868. Published 2023 Jan 17.
- Ward J. The effect of zinc on skin. Aesthetic Medicine [Internet]. [Accessed: December 19, 2023]
- Zinc. German Nutrition Society [Internet]. [Accessed on: December 19, 2023].
- Vitamin C. German Nutrition Society [Internet]. [Accessed on: December 19, 2023].
- Vitamin A. German Nutrition Society [Internet]. [Accessed on: December 19, 2023].
- Moghadaszadeh B, Beggs AH. Selenoproteins and their impact on human health through various physiological pathways. Physiology (Bethesda). 2006;21:307-315.
- Pincemail J, Meziane S. On the Potential Role of the Antioxidant Couple Vitamin E/Selenium Taken by the Oral Route in Skin and Hair Health. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(11):2270. Published 2022 Nov 17.
