Physical and Chemical Sunscreen

Photo: eltaMD , a combination of both physical and 

chemical sunscreen (Source: Amazon)

What's the use of all the promising skin care products if you don't apply sunscreen? After all, it's the sun's harmful UV rays that give you sunburn, dark spots, age spots, and premature wrinkles. Dabbing on some antioxidants on your skin would only give little help if you don't prevent the culprit that has been causing your skin problems in the first place.

Sunscreens are also particularly very useful to people using acne medications such as myself. Topical acne treatment such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Also, sun exposure promotes hyperpigmentation, leading to further darkening of acne marks.

If you are currently looking for a new sunscreen, and have little idea about how to choose one, you might want to check my choosing a sunscreen post first.

There are generally two types of sunscreens, physical and chemical. Each of them works differently to protect your skin.

Physical sunscreens sit on top of your skin to act as a barrier against UV rays. They are very stable under the sun yet leave a noticeably white residue on the skin. Check the ingredients list of your sunscreen. If you see titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, it is a physical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, should bind first with your skin in order to become effective. Once taken into the skin (a good 30 minutes), it can protect the skin by absorbing and breaking down the UV rays. However, some chemical sunscreens become unstable when exposed to the sun. In order to make it easier for consumers, the Skin Cancer Organization has tested a wide range of sunscreen products and awarded those who passed their photostability tests with their Seal of Recommendation. Note however that a product without the seal does not automatically mean that it is unstable, only that it might not have been checked by the organization yet.

Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens may cause skin irritation and breakouts. That is why if you have sensitive skin, it is advisable that you use physical sunscreen instead. However, many women still prefer to use the latter type because it's more lightweight and visually appealing, not to mention it goes better with makeup. 

Many sunscreens today are a combination of both physical and chemical sunscreen, perhaps because it provides a more photostable and aesthetically appealing formulation. According to Skin Cancer Organization, there are generally at least three UV filters used in a formulation:

1. benzophenones for shorter wavelength UVA

2. PABA derivatives, salicylates, cinnamates for UVB

3. avobenzone, ecamsule, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide for the remaining UVA spectrum

There has been a lot of talks within the skin care community about when to apply sunscreen. It is not uncommon for a woman to apply several products in a day, thereby, the issue of whether the order of sunscreen application can affect it's effectiveness has been a concern.

The common approach suggested is to apply sunscreen last in your skin care routine but before makeup. Meaning, cleanse, tone, moisturize, sunscreen, then primer, foundation, etc. However, other sources recommend applying sunscreen first before anything else. That is, you apply it right after you cleanse and tone your skin. This is specially recommended if you're using a chemical sunscreen, because it needs to bind with your skin to be effective.

Despite the different suggestions, the order of when you should apply it is your choice. If you only believe in scientific studies, there are no such studies yet (at least in my knowledge) that has tested a sunscreen's effectiveness with the consideration of the interaction with other skin care products. As for me, if you really want certainty, then the less products you use at daytime, the better. Save those antioxidant serums and ointments at night.

Haven't decided which sunscreen to buy yet? I have listed here some of the sunscreens that are suitable for oily skin type. On the other hand, if you want to find a sunscreen based on active ingredients, Skinacea has done a great job on classifying these products.

Which type of sunscreen are you using right now? Share what you think about sunscreens.

Last Updated: August 3, 2015

Sunscreens for Oily Skin

In my previous post, I've given out five tips when it comes to choosing a sunscreen, so if you have no idea on how to choose a sunscreen, you might want to check this blog post first.

Once you get the general idea of the do's and don'ts of choosing a sunscreen, shopping for a sunscreen can become a breeze, especially if you have normal skin type. However, if you have sensitive skin, a closer look at the ingredients list is a must! You should know if the sunscreen contains physical or chemical UV filters. Certain ingredients may trigger an allergic reaction, such as fragrances and colorings. 

If you have oily skin type, you should watch out for comedogenic ingredients. For aesthetic reasons, you may also want a sunscreen which is less greasy and matte. It's a challenge as many sunscreens are greasy and sticky, some of the ingredients may also clog the pores and trigger a breakout.

If you want to learn about specific customer reviews, check out the Amazon links or see the specific reviews from bloggers that I will also include in the list. 
I myself have very oily skin. Though I would love to have a good protection on the skin, but applying a sunscreen on the face is a very unappealing sensation. It's sticky, greasy, and feels very heavy on the skin. It makes my skin appear oilier than ever, and worse, it leaves a white cast on the skin.

But thanks to the advancements of skin care science, more and more sunscreen products are coming out the shelves with better formulations for women with oily skin type. You can already find several of these with noncomedogenic formula that is lightweight and matte. Women with normal skin type can also benefit from a lightweight formula as it makes the skin more aesthetically appealing and agreeable to makeup.

Here, I've collected a handful of sunscreen products that are friendly to oily skin types. I have also included the ingredients of these products for your reference. Ingredients highlighted in RED have a comedogenicity rating of 3 and above out of 5 scale based on cosdna.com database (but may not necessarily lead to breakouts in the formulation's entirety, so I advise you to check each product review). 

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+

Price and Availability: available on Amazon

Description:

- antioxidant Vitamin E to help prevent free-radical damage
- new optimized combination of sun filters for an even more lightweight, silky, non-greasy finish than before
- oil-free, fragrance free, paraben free, color free
- water resistant (80 Minutes)

Sun Protection: SPF 50 PA+

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (5%) Oxybenzone (6%) 

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denatured, Silica, Dicaprylyl Ether, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Nylon-12, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylparaben, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, Dodecene, Poloxamer 407

Remarks:

The formula is noncomedogenic yet contains a relatively high concentration of alcohol, which is an irritant.

Reviews:

http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2011/08/kiehls-super-fluid-uv-defense-spf-50-review.html

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea

Price and Availability: Php 375.00 (Healthy Options) / 113g (4oz.); also available on Amazon

Description:
- water-resistant for 80 minutes
- paraben-free
- non-greasy

Sun Protection: SPF 45

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Homosalate 10.0% (sunscreen), octocrylene 10.0% (sunscreen), ethylhecyl methoxycinnamate 7.5% (sunscreen), ethylhexyl salicylate 5.0% (sunscreen), titanium dioxide 2.0% (sunscreen) 

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (water), glycerin, cetearyl olivate, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate SE, sorbitan olivate, dimethicone, VP/hexadecene copolymer, caprylic/capric triglyceride, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, calendula officinalis flower extract*, camellia sinensis leaf extract*, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract*, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/stem extract*, sodium stearoyl glutamate, tocopheryl acetate, xanthan gum, alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ethylhecyglycerin, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citronellol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamal, limonene, linalool and fragrance. 

Remarks:

It's water-based and oil-free. The inclusion of soothing Aloe and antioxidant Green Tea extract is a plus for this product. It also has other moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin. Ingredients to watch out for are: alcohol, fragrances, silicones, and the high concentration of comedogenic cetyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate SE.

My Own Review:

http://seriousskincareblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/product-review-alba-botanica-hawaiian.html

Reviews:
http://galelovescolors.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-alba-botanica-hawaiian-sunscreen.html

Eltamd UV Clear 

Price and Availability: Php 700.00+ (eBay) / 48g (1.7oz.); also available on Amazon

Description:

- lightweight and oil-free
- no parabens
- for sensitive and acne-prone skin

Sun Protection: SPF 46

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (9.0%), Octinoxate (7.5%) 

Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Cyclomethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Remarks:

It's water-based and has a impressive list of ingredients. It contains silicones though which may be a drawback to other people.

Reviews:

http://renata-skincare.blogspot.com/2013/03/light-moisturizer-with-sunscreen.html

Last Updated: July 28,2015

What are Silicones?

Silicones are ingredients commonly found in our personal care products. They are derived from silica, or silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring substance. They are added to skin care products to provide a slippery, non-greasy, and non-sticky base. Aside from skin care products, silicones may also be added on topical drugs to make them more aesthetically appealing to the patients.

Before silicones became common, many of the topical products available are formulated with petrolatum or mineral oil. While petrolatum provides a protective layer on the skin, it does not appeal to many users due to it's thickness and greasy feel. Nowadays, we can find a lot of  topical products containing silicones in several different forms. Just like petrolatum, silicones also provide a protective layer on the skin. It seals in the moisture beneath the skin, and makes the product easier to spread across the skin.

They can also act as temporary fillers on the skin, making the skin appear smoother. That is why many foundations, primers, concealers, eye shadows, BB creams, and so on, contain silicones. Without silicones, the pigments will collect in the skin's creases and lines, making wrinkles even the more noticeable.

Silicones are synthesized in many different forms, with differing volatility and thickness. Whichever type of silicones is used depends on the product's purpose. Common examples of silicones are dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, methicone, and cyclohentasiloxane. If you wish to know if your product contains silicones, look for ingredients ending in "-cone," "-siloxane," and "-conol."

Silicones are inert substances. They act as carriers for active ingredients. When applied topically, silicone forms a film that sits on top of the skin. Silicones are said to be occlusive, meaning they can trap everything underneath the skin, thereby suffocating the skin like a plastic wrap does. Imagine the sweat, dirt residue, and bacteria all being undesirably trapped inside. When this happens, skin becomes irritated, and acne breakouts occur.

It's because of it's occlusive nature that makes an increasing number of consumers shy away from silicone-containing products (Note that other sources, however, claim this to be untrue). While silicones are declared safe by the FDA and CIR Expert Panel, it can be an irritating substance to some people.

But if silicones form a film on top of the skin, how can the active ingredients or all the good stuff from the formulation get through the barrier? According to Dow Corning's paper:

Thus, depending on the active, the skin penetration could be increased, decreased or unchanged. The film forming properties of silicone and the solubility in the skin was thought to play a part in the drug release mechanism.

In other words, silicones can be a great vehicle to promote better absorption of actives, but it would have to depend on the type of formulation for this to occur. This is useful for topical drug application. Some formulations containing silicones, on the other hand, discourage absorption, allowing the actives to merely stay on top of the skin and remain there for a long time, even when subjected to rubbing. This rub-proof characteristic makes silicones an essential ingredient for cosmetics and sunscreens to last long.

So, do you really have to stay away from silicones or not? Health-wise, silicones do not pose any significant risks on our body. So if you don't have a sensitive skin, go ahead and use your favorite silicone-containing products. But beware, silicones are non-biogradable and their wastes will accumulate in the environment. If this concerns you, you wouldn't want silicones to be in your products. 

My opinion is, I wouldn't completely stay away from silicones. They are important ingredients that make our skin care products more appealing to the skin. They also make it possible for the UV filters in sunscreens to last long, which is important to have better protection. I wouldn't mind it if I find silicones to be present in my sunscreen and BB cream. I will, however, avoid SILICONE-based products, meaning, the first ingredient listed is a silicone instead of the usual water solvent (which is my most preferred solvent due to my oily skin). I've used a serum which happened to be silicone-based, and my skin got irritated after frequent application.

On a side note, here are my personal tips when using skin care products with silicones:

• Since silicones may be occlusive, make sure that your face is thoroughly cleansed before applying a silicone-containing product.
• Wash your face every after sweating.
• Some sources suggest applying the silicone-containing product last, in order to prevent other actives from being blocked.
• Use an effective cleanser/makeup remover to remove your silicone-based  or silicone-containing cosmetics and sunscreens at night.

Meanwhile, if you wish to know more about silicones, here are some interesting materials:

http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/silicone

http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2012/11/27/do-silicones-prevent-other-ingredients-from-sinking-into-the-skin/

http://www.dowcorning.com/content/publishedlit/chapter16.pdf
http://cincovidas.com/dimethicone-the-truth-behind-this-common-cosmetics-ingredient/

Are you using products containing silicones? What do you think of silicones?

Last updated: July 3, 2015

Product Review: The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost

I have very oily skin, and the tropical climate in the Philippines only exacerbates the oiliness. That is why I have to choose my skin care products with utmost care to control my skin's sebum production.

I've been searching for the best moisturizer (even oily skin needs to be moisturized), and just stumbled upon this product from The Body Shop - Vitamin C Skin Boost. It's a serum, meaning it has a concentrated amount of key ingredient - in this case, Vitamin C - not a moisturizer, but I still decided to get this product as an addition to my beauty arsenal.

Product: Vitamin C Skin Boost
Price and Availability: Php 1,450.00 (The Body Shop), USD 22.98 (Amazon) / 30ml 
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Cyclohexasiloxane (Conditioning Agent), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (Emulsion Stabilizer), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (Viscosity Increasing Agent), HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer (Anticaking Agent), Fragrance (Fragrance), Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Emollient), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Glycerin (Humectant), Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Polysilicone-11 (Film Former), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Silica (Absorbent), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Water (Solvent/Diluent), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Mica (Opacifier), Titanium Dioxide (Colour) 

Remarks: According to the cosdna.com database, none of the ingredients from the list are highly comedogenic and irritating.

Vitamin C Skin Boost says:

Directions for product application:

Yes, if you have oily skin, you can simply use a serum instead of a moisturizer. It's more lightweight and less greasy. Serums costs more than moisturizers though because of the high concentration of key ingredients. I chose Vitamin C as my serum's key ingredient because I wanted an ingredient that will even out my skin tone and reduce my acne scars.

I'm not into applying a lot of layers of skin care products onto my skin. So whenever I use this serum, I skip my moisturizer. It's enough to keep my skin moisturized anyway. 

The product comes with a pump and a translucent cap. The rest of the bottle is hidden by the labels so I have no idea how to monitor the content left inside. I've been using it since two months ago, and hopefully it will last long.

Here's how the container looks like:

Vitamin C Skin Boost has of course, a citrus smell. I love it because it somehow rejuvenates my senses. It has a moderately thick consistency (it's not runny, that is), and can be easily spread across the skin. I only use a single squirt to cover my entire face. Here's how I apply the serum: I put a small amount on the palm and use my finger to dab it on different spots on the face, concentrating on the dark spots. Then, I spread everything else to the rest of the face, using my fingers in circular motion (just as the product's label indicated). I end the application by tapping my skin using my fingertips to help the serum set in.

What I really really love about this product is the smooth base it provides on the skin. I use this before applying my BB cream. It makes the BB cream spread easily. Without the serum, the BB creams would sometimes leave visible pigments especially around the nose and uneven surfaces of the skin. With the serum as a base, I don't have to put much time and effort to even out the BB cream. 

Also, I noticed that my skin tone has evened out after using the product, though the improvement is not very dramatic. My acne scars are still visible, but less noticeable. I will continue using the product to see better results.

So in a nutshell, here are the pros and cons:

PROS: 

• Acts as a smooth base
• Non-greasy feel
• Noncomedogenic
• Refreshing citrus smell
• Contains Vitamin C - an antioxidant that can even out skin tone 

CONS:

• Too much silicones (Learn about why silicones may be bad for your skin.)
• Expensive
• Contains fragrances and pigments - not good for sensitive skin

Overall, I love this product because it lubricates the skin without making it appear greasy. It doesn't break me out and the smell is very refreshing. The only gripe I have is the very expensive price and if I were to find another great product with a cheaper price, I would go for that.

UPDATE 1:

I used to just apply the serum once a day only. After trying to use it twice a day, I noticed my skin becoming itchy and reddish. My negative skin reaction must be due to a possible sensitivity to the highly potent form of Vitamin C in the formulation.

I cut back to once a day again, and my skin became less irritated. However, there are no further improvements with regards to my skin tone and skin's smoothness. I also started using my moisturizer with the serum in order to prevent irritation.

UPDATE 2:

I have stopped using this product. Not only is the price a big turn-off, the high concentration of silicones worries me. I am currently using a bleaching gel from my dermatologist for my acne scars.

Last Updated: August 24, 2015

Shop Online for Beauty Products

Knowing a lot about beauty products has a setback, it makes you very picky. You know that there are certain ingredients to avoid. You know that there are only certain products that suit you. And you also know that you should also consider the value for your money. What makes it even more frustrating is that after learning about the do's and don'ts on buying skin care products, you realize that the product you are looking for is not available in your nearest drugstore.

Does that mean you have to go shop hopping until you find your right product? That was only true ages ago. Now, shopping online is made much easier, thanks to the Internet.

Below I've produced a couple of product articles for beauty products. check out these links and see if you like something. All these products come from Amazon.

What are BB Creams?
Whenever you go to the beauty stores, or check out some beauty blogs or magazines, it's hard not to miss out BB creams. In fact, BB creams might be the lates...

Gift Guide: Beauty Products for Your Sister
Every woman needs to pamper herself every now and then. With the majority of women juggling between work and house chores, there rarely is a time for them to...

What to Know About Skincare Product Labels

Can't decide which skincare products to buy? As for many buyers, they tend to just read the bold labels without analyzing the ingredients list. This is not good as many manufacturers would try to lure a consumer into buying their products by using eye-catching terms that don't really mean anything. Here are just some of the words or phrases you'll find in the packaging:

Hypoallergenic

While there's nothing wrong to opt for products with hypoallergenic labels, it doesn't guarantee that the product won't irritate your skin. Manufacturers formulate this product and label it as hypoallergenic to mean that it is less likely to irritate your skin. However, each person's skin is unique. Different skins react differently from products. if you still get breakouts or allergic reactions from the product, stop using it.

Natural

Many manufacturers love putting on the natural label in front of their skincare products. It implies that natural is always better than synthetic ingredients. But natural is a broad term. Some natural ingredients can even cause irritation and breakouts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a particular natural ingredient that you know is great for the skin, you still have to check whether that ingredient is listed on top. Many manufacturers boast about an effective natural ingredient in their product even if it is only used in small concentrations. 

Unscented

Opting for fragrance-free products will indeed benefit your sensitive skin. But the term 'unscented' isn't synonymous to 'fragrance-free.' This label doesn't spell out any benefits and only refers to the fact that the product has no noticeable smell. However, despite having no odor, it may still contain fragrances to mask the unpleasant odor that naturally results from the formulation, or may be used as preservatives.

Recommended by Dermatologist

It is a very confounding phrase to include in the packaging. Who is the dermatologist? Does he or she works for the company? 

Dermatologist Tested

Likewise, to claim a product to be dermatologist tested would arise a handful of questions, such as who is he, and from what institution? What are the results of the test? Who are the subjects of the test?

Cosmeceutical

It's a term invented by manufacturers themselves to make the product appear medical. However, unlike medicines, cosmeceuticals don't undergo government regulations. Thus, manufacturers can put whatever ingredients they want. They claim to have added benefits of a drug, but in fact, some skincare products without the label can work as effectively.

Cruelty-Free

It's a label for a cause, but doesn't relate to the products skincare benefits. If you love animals, this is definitely a label you would love to see. However, keep in mind that the specific ingredients used in the product are not guaranteed to have been cruelty-free. In fact, there might be a possibility that the ingredients had been tested on animals. Rather, the label refers to the finished product as not having been tested on animals instead of the specific ingredients listed.

Food for Healthy Skin

Source: Photorack.net

Maybe you've been very diligently choosing the right skincare products, reading all the labels and fine prints of all the bottles, tubes, and tubs in the beauty aisle of the store. Having the best of these products in your beauty arsenal doesn't guarantee though that you'll have great skin. Aside from the products you apply topically, don't you know that one basic skin care is also eating the right kinds of food?

So what do you need to eat for a healthy looking skin? Here are some of the things you should look for:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Also known as the good fats, omega-3 promotes a healthy barrier for our cells, which is important to help keep the moisture into the skin. Aside from promoting healthy barriers for a soft and supple skin, Omega-3 also minimizes the body's level of inflammatory compounds, chemicals that are responsible for the development of wrinkles. Thus, eating omega-3 rich foods slows down the aging process.

Food Sources: salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, canola oil

Beta Carotene

A nutrient that gives some plants its red, yellow, or orange color, beta carotene contributes to skin health by protecting the skin from the damages of sun exposure. Beta carotene is also a source of Vitamin A or retinol, an essential nutrient for healthy skin. Vitamin A taken from supplements becomes dangerous when taken in excessive amounts. On the other hand, Vitamin A coming from beta carotene sources is a much safer way to acquire the nutrient, because the body only converts beta carotene to as much as what the body needs.

Food Sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots

Zinc

Zinc helps repair damaged skin tissues and reduces inflammation. It is especially helpful to acne sufferers, as zinc helps reduce sebum production and scarring. In fact, studies show that people with acne lacks zinc in their diet. In addition, zinc also helps protect the skin against sun damage.

Food Sources: turkey, nuts, whole grains, oysters, eggs, dairy products

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid

Many skincare manufacturers nowadays add Vitamin C as the key ingredient to their products. Indeed, Vitamin C is an essential vitamin to keeping the skin healthy and beautiful. Not only can Vitamin C slow down the effects of free radicals (molecules that are produced by UV rays and unhealthy eating) that lead to premature aging, its derivative ascorbic C 2-phosphate can also reverse DNA damage. Vitamin C is also a key production to collagen, a protein that gives the skin firmness.

Food Sources: kiwis, oranges, bell peppers, tomatoes, limes, cauliflower, brocolli

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. It can also reduce sunburn from UVB rays. Vitamin E is fat-soluble and is secreted to the skin in the form of sebum. It is not recommended to take Vitamin E supplements because too much of it increases the risk to cardiovascular disease.

Food Sources: sunflower seeds, nuts, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, sweet potato, mango, spinach

Pantothenic Acid or B5

Pantothenic acid is responsible for wound healing. It is an essential vitamin for skin cell regeneration and development. This water-soluble vitamin increases the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that fights against the effects of free radicals.

Food Sources: egg yolk, brocolli, chicken, liver, kidney, fish, avocado

Selenium 

Selenium is a mineral responsible for the antioxidative property of glutathione. Gluthatione helps defend the skin against the harmful effects of free radicals that come from UV radiation, pollutants, and stress. Evidences show that selenium is also a key component to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, too much selenium, as a result of taking supplements, lead to harmful effects. 

Food Sources: shellfish, nuts, liver, shrimp, crab

Tea

Aside from the fact that tea is a good source of antioxidant flavonoids, one type of tea - green tea - is the best food source for catechins. Catechins are also antioxidants, which is far more powerful than Vitamin C and E in helping to fight against the damaging effects of free radicals. A study shows that drinking 3 cups of oolong tea reduces the symptoms of eczema by 54%.

Read about the different types of tea.

Final Words

While you may be tempted to take supplements right away, it is far more efficient to take these nutrients coming from whole foods. The body needs different components of nutrients in order to benefit your skin the most. A well-balanced diet is the key to good skin health. Remember, by having a nutritious diet, your skin will not be the only organ to benefit, but also your whole body.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/want-healthy-skin-feed-well

http://www.umm.edu

http://chriskresser.com/nutrition-for-skin-health

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefit_of_drinking_green_tea