Selenium for Skin Care
Selenium is a trace mineral that few of us would care to include in our diet. However, this oft-neglected mineral is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your body from a large number of illnesses. There are several health benefits of selenium, and skin care is one of them.
Acne remedy
If most remedies are unable to prevent your frequent acne breakouts, you can try treating this persistent skin problem with selenium. This trace mineral is needed for the production of glutathione peroxidase, which is a powerful antioxidant enzyme associated with elimination of toxins from the body.
Accumulation of toxins and free radicals in the body tend to increase acne breakouts. It is believed that by flashing out wastes from your body, acne can be prevented. Increased secretion of glutathione peroxidase could perhaps prevent acne. To augment the acne reducing power of selenium, it should be combined with antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins E and A.
Selenium when taken with vitamins E and A could reduce acne within twelve weeks. It could also prevent scarring of the skin from acne. Besides increasing intake of selenium rich foods, to treat acne you might need selenium supplements. Usually 200 to 400 micrograms of selenium per day is sufficient for treating acne. However, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist before taking selenium supplements for treating acne.
Delays skin aging
Selenium is one of the components of glutathione peroxidase. By preventing oxidation of free radicals in the body, glutathione peroxidase could delay skin aging. Selenium increases the elasticity of the skin and prevents appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This mineral could also protect your skin from the adverse effects of exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Prevents skin cancer
Studies have shown that selenium could prevent certain skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. However, a study has shown that increased intake of selenium supplements, beyond the recommended RDA dose, could increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
Sources of selenium
Nuts, particularly Brazil nut and walnut, sea fish, whole grains, poultry and beef are rich in selenium. For adults, the recommended dietary allowance for selenium is 55 micrograms of per day.
