Vitamins are organic compounds that are biologically active, indispensable for the healthy functioning of our body's functions, and many of them are essential. Vitamins are divided into two main groups as fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K; Water-soluble vitamins are B and C. Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body when taken in excess of what is needed. Vitamin deficiencies occur frequently in developed countries due to metabolic or organic disorders, and in developing countries due to malnutrition. Our skin is our largest organ, which is most exposed to environmental factors and the sun, which is an important free radical producer for the skin. While some vitamins are necessary to regulate the daily functions of the epidermis and dermis, some vitamins help protect the skin from UV-induced damage through surface applications.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found in nature mainly in animal fats, milk, It is found in eggs, liver, fish oil, carrots, tomatoes, colorful vegetables and fruits, and is produced by some types of fungi and some bacteria. Dryness and flaking of the skin develops in vitamin A deficiency. When taken orally, vitamin A is stored in the liver. About 1/3 of vitamin A is in the form of carotene. The main effect of carotenes is to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It reduces wrinkles and coarsening, black and brown spots on the skin and sun spots in photoaging skin. It has also been shown that the external application of vitamin A increases collagen production.
Vitamin B
B vitamins are water-soluble compounds and are excreted from the body when taken in excess. Vitamin B is found in a wide variety of foods. vitamin B; It is found in all grains, bananas, potatoes, liver, turkey meat. It reduces ultraviolet damage and stimulates collagen synthesis.
Contributes to the protection of the fat layer of the skin. It has a positive effect on the wound healing process. Folic acid takes part in DNA synthesis. It is critical for DNA synthesis in cells with fast cellular turnover, such as bone marrow cells. Deficiency occurs in the elderly, alcoholics, taking certain drugs such as methotrexate or phenytoin. In its deficiency, hematological changes ties develop. The skin is an organ that constantly needs folic acid. Exposure to UV rays causes a decrease in folic acid and its derivatives in the skin. In folic acid deficiency, skin carcinogenesis may increase in association with decreased DNA repair mechanisms. Therefore, folic acid intake is very important for the health of the skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and vegetables, and is an important antioxidant. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, increases the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E. It has been determined that the UV protective effect increases when added to sunscreen products. It has been determined that vitamin C increases collagen production, and it has been proven in clinical studies to be effective in the treatment of skin showing signs of photoaging.
Ascorbic acid, a derivative of vitamin C; It is used in the treatment of photoaging, black, brown spots and cracks on the skin with topical / external use. The most important problem in topical application is that vitamin C is oxidized after contact with air and light, and its absorption from the skin is low.
Vitamin D
It is found in fatty fish, liver, eggs and red meat. Vitamin D is used in the treatment of psoriasis and suppressing the negative effects of UV rays on the skin.
Vitamin E
The antioxidant properties of vitamin E are at the forefront. It is found in plants, oilseeds, corn, nuts, soy, wheat, some meat and dairy products. Vitamin E reduces sun damage and sun-related aging.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, some vegetable oils (canola, soybean, olive). It is also produced by beneficial gut bacteria. It plays an important role in blood coagulation. In its deficiency, nose and gingival bleeding and easy bruising are seen. With the topical/external use of 1% vitamin K, the bruises that develop on the skin can be regressed in a shorter time after procedures such as laser and filling. Improvement in under-eye bruises has been reported due to its combined use with retinol.
Biotin
Biotin is also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7. It plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It is found in yeast, eggs, milk and liver. It is also synthesized by beneficial bacteria in the gut. S It is stated that it can be used in the treatment of hair loss, some hair diseases and nail diseases. The use of biotin in brittle nails has been shown to correct nail changes.
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