Healing Skin from Within?

The L.A. Times has a solid story about the use of dietary supplements to "reverse the effects of aging." I think the report gives too much space to proponents, but it also provides some useful skepticism about the notion itself--that taking pills can undo damage and improve the way skin looks.

I'd argue there's one additional flaw in the story, and it's big enough to drive a Mini-Cooper through. The thesis upon which many supplements claim benefits to skin is this:

• Free radicals damage skin
• Anti-oxidants remove free radicals
• Therefore taking anti-oxidant pills "undamages" or at least reduces harm to skin

The problem: Many studies have shown that when anti-oxidants are taken as supplements, they can do as much mischief as they do good. The most famous example is how high doses of beta carotene appear to increase likelihood of lung cancer in those at high risk for it.

So what has been shown with decent science to improve skin health?

• Drinking plenty of water (actually the proof is weak, but the downside of drinking water is low)
• Staying out of the sun (5 to 10 minutes per day appears to be safe and beneficial for Vitamin D production)
• Not smoking
• Regular use of a moisturizer

Here is a fairly conservative take on maintaining skin health from Mayo Clinic.

Here's a more comprehensive look at skin "rejuvenation" from the Cleveland Clinic. It contains excellent research-based information about the topical application of anti-oxidants for skin health. It also talks about various dermatological interventions--you know, dermabrasion and the like.

More specifically and recently, here's a rough synopsis of a JAMA article demonstrating the value of Vitamin A when applied to the skin (not taken as a supplement).

And finally: We've said it before, we'll say it again. The Natural Standard offers a rigorous but readable rundown on the benefits/risks of nearly any supplement you want to take. Here's the main navigation. Bookmark it, and you'll be able to check out any claims made about dietary supplements.