Written By: Kriti Saraswat | Updated : September 25, 2014 2:17 PM IST
These days, several people eat vitamin supplements in order to keep their skin looking healthy. Sometimes, they do not even consult a doctor before starting a course. Popping pills even if they promise fantastic results is not reason enough. It is best to consult an expert on the subject as which supplement you really need and which ones might be bad for your body and skin. Here are some common vitamin supplements which people take these days. Dr Kiran Lohia, MD, lists out the pros and cons of each of these for us.
Vitamin E
Dr Lohia says that taking vitamin E pills protect against UV radiations which damage the skin but they do have some negative effects as well. If taken in higher doses than the recommended limit, they can cause bleeding and also increase the risk of death by 6 per cent. In order to be on the safer side, do not more than 400 IU or 15 mg a day. She also suggests applying vitamin E oil on the skin to see improvement.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for our skin's collagen production which in turn helps keep it looking youthful. Since it has high amounts of antioxidants, it protects the skin from free radical damage and prevents signs of ageing. According to Dr Kiran, it is difficult have a deficiency of vitamin C and taking excess amounts can cause gastrointestinal problems and can even interfere with one's current medication. She suggests it is best to get your daily intake of this vitamin from natural sources such as citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes, berries, leafy greens, etc.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to keep our skin and hair looking healthy especially EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid. They help in protecting our skin from external damage and also from drying which prevents wrinkles and sagging of skin. But there have been reports of excess amounts leading to immune dysregulation in response to a bacterial infection. Dr Kiran recommends taking supplements if you cannot fulfill the requirement from food sources but not more than 1g per day.
Dr Kiran Lohia is a Columbia University graduate and an MD specialising in dermatology. She is additionally American Board Certified with further degrees in Aesthetic Medicine and Laser Surgery, and a member of the American Medical Association, American Society of Dermatology, American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, European Society of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology, among others. Currently working at Lumiere Dermatology Clinic, Dr Lohia practices both clinical and cosmetic dermatology, and treats all skin, nail and hair diseases in men, women and children. A known authority in dermatological technologies such as cosmetic lasers and in all expert indications for Botox and fillers, Dr Lohia is known throughout India for her elegant and natural results.
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