Minerals, Diet, Nutrition and Skincare Health: Selenium, Copper and Zinc

Minerals for Healthy Skin

Diet is important for your overall good health - including the health of your skin. We may not think about minerals in our diet, but they are important too. Fruits and vegetables give you fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. Among those substances are essential minerals.

Minerals and healthy skin

Minerals and vitamins are micronutrients that your body needs in small amounts in order to grow, to function properly and to stay healthy. It's important to have a balanced diet, to get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals. A deficiency in some minerals can lead to skin and other problems. Studies have looked at some of essential minerals in connection with skin health:

• Selenium - Studies are looking to see if this mineral plays a role in skin cancer prevention. Good sources in your diet include whole-grain cereals, seafood, garlic and eggs.
• Copper - Copper is a mineral that has been linked to elastin, which is what supports skin structure. Too much copper in the diet is dangerous.
• Zinc - Zinc deficiency has been linked to acne in some studies. Zinc has also been connected with skin healing and reduction in scar formation. In the diet, sources include oysters, lean meat, and poultry. Zinc is also found in topical products, in other words in creams and lotions that are applied to the skin.

Mineral Supplements

These are just a few of the many minerals your body needs. A well-balanced and healthy diet can often supply all the nutrients you need, including both minerals and vitamins.

If your diet is not all it should be - and you decide to use supplements - you need to check the label carefully. You don't want huge doses of any one vitamin or mineral. Check the expiration date to make sure the product is still potent. And don't forget to store vitamin and mineral supplements in a cool dry place, one that is well out of the reach of children.

As with vitamins, remember that taking too much of a mineral can be toxic and very dangerous. Make sure you do not exceed the recommended dosage if you are using supplements.

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Updated May 2008

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