Vitamins and proteins are not the only things people can use in their skin care regimen. All of the nutrients can play an important part as well. Nutrients are the chemical components of food that supply the body with materials that can be transformed into energy including heat and activity; that maintain, repair and build body tissue; and that regulate all body processes. Nutrients are grouped into five classes: vitamins, proteins, (both of which have been discussed in previous articles), minerals carbohydrates, fiber, water and fats. There are some less known nutrients that can play an important part in helping with good skin care. However, it is important to know the two threats that we need to protect the skin against.

Cigarette smoke and the sun are the two biggest threats to the skin. They can cause free-radical damage (damage created when cells oxides) to the skin. People who smoke can wrinkle years faster that people who don't smoke. Smokers can have premature wrinkled skin especially around the mouth. Non-smokers should cut down on their exposure to smoke as much as they can. Smokers should beef up on their intake of Vitamin C to help slow down the free-radical damage to their skin.

The sun has ultraviolet rays that can erode the elastic tissues in the skin causing premature wrinkles. Regular exposure to the ultraviolet energy of the sun can promote free radical in the fats of the skin cell membranes. Years of unprotected sun exposure can cause some skin cancers. Wearing protective sunscreen can help the outside of the skin. A good, healthy diet can help the skin from the inside and reduce the free-radical damage.

The less known nutrients that can help with good skin care are Silicon, Grape Seed Extract, Royal Jelly, L-Cysteine and Gamma-Linolenic Acid. Silicon produces a chemical reaction in the body that hooks collagen and elastin together tightly, which gives them their strength and resilience. Silicon can be found in root vegetables, unrefined cereal products, seafood, chicken skin and whole grains. The daily intake of about 20 mg to 45 mg can be easily gotten from eating the above foods without any extra supplementation.

Grape Seed Extract has the ability to strengthen, cling and protect cellular proteins including the ones found in the skin. It also increases skin collagen resistance to enzyme degradation. Grape Seed Extract is a free radical fighter and can be found in foods like dark grape juice and wine. The active component found in Grape Seed Extract can also be found in foods like cranberries, citrus peels and peanuts. Suggested daily dose is about 150 mg broken down into 3 doses of 50 mg each.

This is only some of the lesser known nutrients. More will be discussed about Royal Jelly, L-Cysteine and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), their sources from different foods and their recommended daily doses in the next article.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Skin Care.