A Comprehensive Guide To Vitamins And Their Impact On The Skin, Hair And Nails

Your experience with vitamins might involve standing in front of multiple shelves with countless choices to mull over. Which vitamins should you choose? Are there some types that are better for the skin, hair and nails?

Vitamins are critical substances to the human body. They allow the tissues to regenerate, heal and break down as necessary. Understanding vitamins and how they impact your body is crucial as you enter your mature years.

Discover these basics about vitamins, including:

• Definition of vitamins
• Different types of vitamins
• Vitamin benefits to your skin, hair and nails
• Deficiency concerns
• Natural-oil roles
• Considering vitamin supplements for beauty perks

Welcome to the world of vitamins. Start out with understanding what a vitamin actually is when it comes to body chemistry. Your hair, nails and skin thrive on a complex, vitamin mixture.

Understanding the Definition of “Vitamins”

You heard your parents tell you about taking your vitamins when you were little. Vitamins are also referred to in nearly every food and supplement around. You know they’re important. Take a look at what vitamins really are:

• Vitamins are organic compounds
• Their molecular structure defines the type of vitamin
• Vitamins work alongside your body’s chemical processes

Your body isn’t an island. It has chemical processes within it that must be helped along by external factors, including the ingestion of vitamins. Most vitamins come from the food that you eat. As they’re broken down, the nutrients disperse to needy areas across the body.

Think about some of the tangible areas where vitamin intake is incredibly crucial, such as

1. Skin health
2. Muscle generation

Vitamins work alongside your skin cells to help with healing and regeneration. This same process occurs at the muscles too. Your body simply can’t function without vitamins.

You have a broad overview of what vitamins are to the human body. Are you ready to dive deeper into the various types? Explore the huge world of vitamins and minerals so that you can prioritize them in your diet.

Breaking Down Vitamin Types

There’s a huge network of vitamins, which have been categorized for simplicity’s sake. Explore each category because they have specific features that make them unique at the compound level.

1. Water-Soluble

This group of vitamins cannot be stored by the body. They dissolve into water, which means that you must ingest these vitamins on a daily basis. The body takes in the vitamins that it needs while reserving the rest as waste. Here are the water-soluble vitamins in a comprehensive list:

• Vitamin B1

This vitamin releases energy from your food. Without thiamine, you notice nausea, burning feet, fatigue and digestive problems.

• Vitamin B2

Metabolism, skin health and eyesight depend on vitamin B2. Lacking riboflavin in your diet creates skin issues, such as cracks and fissures.

• Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 also pulls energy from food. Dermatitis, dementia and digestive problems occur with a niacin deficiency.

• Vitamin B5

Hormonal control and energy production stem from this vitamin. The lack of pantothenic acid leads to tingling of the feet.

• Vitamin B6

Nervous-system disorders, depression and newborn defects result from pyridoxine deficiency.

• Vitamin B7

This vitamin breaks down sugars in the body. No known deficiency symptoms with biotin are noted at this time.

• Vitamin B9

Red-blood-cell creation and fetal health depend on vitamin B9. Weight loss, anemia and weakness are common with folic-acid deficiencies.

• Vitamin B12

Nervous-system health and blood production require vitamin B12. Sprue, nervous-system problems and anemia occur with the lack of cobalamin.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C protects your cells and contributes to collagen production in the skin. Hair loss, delayed healing and skin bruising occur when you don’t have enough ascorbic acid.

2. Fat-Soluble

As the name describes, fat-soluble vitamins must have lipids in order to be used by the human body. Because they absorb into your fat, these vitamins can be stored for a short duration. Take a look at all of the fat-soluble vitamins:

• Vitamin A

This vitamin is a partner with your immune system. A deficiency involves dry skin and vision issues in dim situations.

• Vitamin D

Your bones and teeth depend on vitamin-D volumes. Tooth decay and soft bones are hallmarks of a vitamin D deficiency.

• Vitamin E

This vitamin protects cell membranes from breaking down. Deficiency is derived from malnutrition, which leads to overall health decline.

• Vitamin K

Bone health and blood production require vitamin K. Anemia and poor, blood clotting are vitamin-K deficiency symptoms.

3. Macrominerals

When you think of minerals, geology and rocks might come to mind. The human body uses some of these same elements, however, for chemical processes and nerve signaling. Discover the substances known as macrominerals. They’re necessary in amounts of 100 milligrams each day:

• Phosphorus

Energy processing, kidney health and bone strength depend on phosphorus. Bone pain, irregular breathing and fatigue result from phosphorus deficiencies.

• Calcium

Your heart rate and bones depend on calcium. Osteoporosis and brittle bones occur with the lack of calcium.

• Magnesium

Enzymes and chemical reactions within the body need magnesium to function. Without this macromineral, confusion, irritability and overall decline are possible.

• Potassium

Potassium contributes to energy transfers between cells, which fights off those leg cramps. Muscle weakness and possible heart problems result from a deficiency.

• Sodium Chloride

Salt allows the body to perform its electrical signalling with ease. Deficiency with this compound can lead to disorientation, headaches and nausea.

4. Microminerals

Microminerals or trace minerals are needed in very small amounts. However, they play important roles in your body. Here’s your complete list of the microminerals:

• Zinc

This mineral works alongside your enzymes and improves antioxidant levels. Zinc deficiency leaves you open to infections.

• Fluoride

Your bones and teeth need fluoride for stability. Tooth enamel breaks down with possible digestive issues during a deficiency.

• Iodine

Your thyroid needs iodine to regulate development and metabolism. Iodine deficiencies manifest themselves in widespread, neurological issues.

• Chromium

Your blood-sugar levels need chromium for regulation purposes. Digestive issues and blood-sugar problems result from deficiencies.

• Manganese

Bones and enzymes use manganese for cellular activity each day. Impaired metabolism and deformed bones can occur with a severe deficiency.

• Molybdenum

Regulating your enzymatic processes is the job of molybdenum. Deficiencies are so rare that there are no reported symptoms, however.

• Selenium

Selenium protects against foreign microbes in the body. Fatigue and being susceptible to illness are common complaints with deficiencies.

• Copper

Copper is critical to blood production and vessel stability. Cardiovascular problems arise with deficiencies.

• Iron

Blood needs iron to form its structure in the first place. Deficiencies with this micromineral lead to tissue decline and poor, cardiovascular functions.

With a deeper understanding of the types of vitamins, it’s time to move onto the inherent benefits of these compounds. Your beauty regimen can be altered to include the vitamins that are most dear to mature women.

Discovering Vitamin Benefits

You definitely want your entire body to benefit from generous, vitamin amounts. However, your main concern is improving your hair, nails and skin. It’s time to look at the specific vitamins that impact these areas. Your mature body might look younger with a few extra nutrients in your beauty regimen.

1. Skin

• Vitamin A

This vitamin improves the skin by helping to regenerate it at the cellular level. Fine lines and wrinkles are the first features to look smoother than before. Look for products that use natural retinol to benefit from this vitamin.

• Vitamin B

This vitamin doesn’t improve the skin with cellular production. It actually fights off bacteria so that the skin remains healthy for normal operations. Many serums and creams have vitamin B within their natural, ingredient list.

• Vitamin C

Collagen is the elastic component to your skin. Vitamin C provides the sustenance to create this compound. Apply a topical serum to your skin so that the vitamin C has direct contact with it.

• Vitamin E

Soothe any inflammation on the skin with vitamin E. Look for pure, vitamin-E oil as a topical solution. In addition, argan oil is a reliable choice that also includes vitamin A. This oil comes from a nut found only in Morocco.

• Vitamin K

As you age, dark spots appear on the skin. Vitamin K fights off these unsightly marks. Look for this vitamin in creams.

2. Hair

• Biotin

Use biotin to improve your hair from the follicle to the ends. Biotin serums are available for spot treatments.

• Copper

Although copper is a trace element, it supports the hair’s health at the pigmentation level. Look for natural products that contain copper tripeptide as the main ingredient.

3. Nails

• Biotin

Apply biotin to your nail bed to see a surge in growth. It influences proteins to shore up your nail’s growth speed. Consider creams to include biotin in your beauty regimen.

• Iron

Reduce brittleness at the nail bed with iron. Consuming this substance as a supplement or altering your diet may be necessary to gain the iron benefits. Topicals or creams aren’t commonplace today.

• Vitamin B12

Hydrate your nails with help from vitamin B12. There are creams with natural ingredients that include vitamin B12 in the mixture.

• Zinc

This mineral fights off inflammation at the cuticle, which contributes to long nails. Zinc is often found in products that have other natural solutions, such as vitamin E and biotin.

You have a game plan now because of this vast, vitamin knowledge. A new, beauty regimen may be on the horizon. However, be aware of another aspect to vitamins. Deficiencies can be extremely detrimental to your health.

Determining Possible Deficiencies

With so many vitamins required by the human body, you might wonder if you’re deficient in certain areas. By definition, a vitamin deficiency occurs when there’s an inadequate diet to supply those nutrients. Therefore, a healthy diet should cover most of your necessary vitamins. Be aware of certain deficiency situations that might arise as you grow into a mature woman.

Deficiency Experiences

Deficiencies can sneak up on women at times. You might be going through menopause or dealing with a health issue. Diets change, or appetites aren’t as voracious as they used to be.

Being deficient in one or more vitamins can manifest itself in several ways, such as:

• Feeling fatigued
• Noticing brittle nails or hair
• Dizziness

Every deficiency has a slightly different set of symptoms. If you notice any unusual changes to your diet and body sensations, take note of the differences. A deficiency can quickly alter your health and immunity to ailments.

Types of Deficiencies

Certain types of deficiencies might occur as you enter your retirement years. You spend more time indoors, for example. Being in the sun allows you to gain vitamin D for your body. A deficiency results from this scenario.

Being lactose intolerant causes you to avoid dairy products. You aren’t a big, vegetable eater either. The result is a lack of calcium, which leads to bone-health issues.

Avoiding the Lack of Vitamins

Be aware of your diet and daily habits. It’s a fact that even the smallest changes can severely impact your health. Look at your plate at every meal. You should have a well-rounded meal, three times a day, including:

• Lean protein
• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Take a look at your beauty products too. Any oils or creams for your skin might have critical vitamins that round out your healthy lifestyle. If you get sick at any time, make sure to eat as much as you can. Dietary vitamins are the key to a long life and fewer ailments.

Fight off deficiency with a healthy diet, but supplement specific vitamins in strategic areas. Natural oils for beauty purposes are clever resources to use on your hair, skin and nails. The right oils will only boost your appearance as you glow into your 50s and beyond.

Learning About Natural Oils and Vitamins: Their Impact On Your Beauty

What are natural oils? These oils are pure substances found within plants. They’re often mixed with other oils for easy application on the skin, hair and nails. Nuts, flowers and fruits often hold the oils until they’re released through manufacturing processes.

Be aware of the best oils for your skin, hair and nails. They’re chock-full of vitamins that make an incredible difference for your mature beauty.

1. Coconut

Coconuts are like weeds across the beaches of the world. The oil found within their flesh offers vitamin E and medium-chain fatty acids. Rub this pure oil into your skin, hair and nails because it absorbs almost immediately.

2. Jojoba

The southwest part of the United States is home to the jojoba plant. Within the plant’s seeds are oils that have a moisturizing effect on the skin. Use it exclusively, or mix it with other oils.

This oil has these nutrients, such as:

• Vitamin-B complex
• Zinc
• Silicon
• Vitamin E
• Chromium
• Copper

3. Avocado

Soothe any inflammation on your skin with avocado oil. This popular fruit has oils that contain antioxidants and several vitamins, such as A, D and E. It’s used mostly on the skin and nails because of its natural, anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Neem

Found native to India, neem oil comes from local trees that are subsequently used for nearly every ailment. Rub this oil onto your nails, skin and hair. Some people even take it orally. It offers vitamin E, fatty acids and antibacterial nutrients for nearly every tissue in the human body.

5. Argan

By far, the best natural oil for your overall beauty is argan oil from Morocco. In its pure state, argan has these nutrients, including:

• Phenols
• Linoleic acid
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A

Use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner for the hair. Alternatively, apply it on the skin and nails for optimal moisturizing. Most mature women prefer this oil above all others.

With these vitamin facts, you’re ready to try argan oil to improve your beauty regimen. However, there are other ways that vitamins can be used for the body systems. Think about vitamin supplements for your mature years. Certain types or mixtures can supplement your diet in beneficial ways.

Considering Vitamin Supplements

Are you wondering if there are supplements designed exclusively for beauty purposes? When you take supplements orally, the nutrients are meant to benefit the entire body. This fact includes the skin, hair and nails. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of taking supplements for your mature beauty.

Benefits

• Supplements cover any minor deficiencies
• Busy lifestyles match well with supplements because they require one, quick swallow
• Strict diets, such as vegetarians, improve their nutrient intake
• Unhealthy habits can use the influx of vitamins

Drawbacks

• Toxicity issues might make supplements unhealthy for certain people
• Improper, vitamin mixtures are wasted on the body as they’re expelled through the waste systems
• Relying on supplements places a healthy diet on the back burner

It’s important to expand on the toxicity concerns. Too much of one thing doesn’t make it better for you. Excessive vitamins can saturate the body. You might feel certain symptoms, such as headaches or itchy skin, as a result.

Taking multivitamins may be a better scenario when you want an all-around vitamin. Selecting just one vitamin, such as vitamin C or E, to take on a regular basis may be more detrimental to your health and beauty than without the supplement.

Are you considering supplements for your beauty needs? Take a look at your health as it stands right now. You might be taking prescription pills for a chronic ailment. Speak to your doctor about any interactions with supplements that you’d like to try. Your prescription may not absorb as well as it used to with additional vitamins hindering the process.

Smoking and taking supplements may not work well either. Antioxidants in vitamins tend to aggravate certain conditions when you smoke. Ideally, giving up smoking before taking on any supplements is best. The smoking pattern negatively impacts your skin, hair and nails in the first place.

Preferably, use a mixture of supplements and topical ointments. You’ll nourish the body from the inside and outside. Vitamin supplements allow the tissues to accept certain nutrients so that your skin, hair and nails aren’t constantly seeking out nourishment.

By using argan oil and strategic, vitamin supplements, your beauty regimen is entirely rounded out. Mature women will be astounded at the ease at which they can maintain their glowing skin well into their retirement years.

Do you feel like you have enough knowledge about vitamins now? It is a vast topic, but vitamins and minerals don’t have to be confusing. Through this article, you learned about key features, such as:

• Defining what vitamins really mean to mature women
• Pinpointing the various types of vitamins in the marketplace
• Covering vitamin benefits for your hair, nails and skin
• Identifying deficiency concerns
• Learning about natural oils
• Discussing vitamin supplements for mature women

An important substance within the vitamin world continues to be argan oil. Purchase pure, argan oil so that you can reap the benefits from its natural vitamins. Maintaining your beauty has never been so easy with vitamin knowledge and argan oil as tools of the trade.