BASIC vitamins, minerals and ingredients which promote skin health are:

Vitamin A: comes in two different forms, retinols and beta-carotene; important for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue.

Vitamin B-complex: beneficial for healthy hair, skin and nails. When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. A deficiency may result in dry, scaly skin or hair loss.

Vitamins C and E: work well in countering the effects of sun exposure. They help by reducing damage caused by free radicals, a harmful by product of sunlight, smoke and pollution. Free radicals destroy collagen and elastin, the fibres that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

Carotenoids (lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene): contain good anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effective sun protectants.

Turmeric: a herb from the ginger family, shows strong sun protection, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Copper peptide: promotes collagen and elastin production, and also acts as an antioxidant. Clinical studies have found that copper peptides also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue because they activate the skin?s system responsible for those functions.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: an effective antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and repair past damage. Soluble in both water and oil, which enhances its penetration into skin cells. It diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

-The Star/Asia News Network