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How could I improve my skin, nail, and hair strength/growth?

I'm looking for a way to improve my skin, hair, and fingernail strength and growth. My skin is constantly dry and full of acne, my hair falls out in clumps, and my fingernails break extremely easily. I'm a type 1 Diabetic as well, if that means anything.

I've tried using skin cleansers, lotions, acne creams, Biotin and Collagen vitamins, and even changing the temperature of my shower water. I eat quite a bit of protein (fish, chicken, and nuts) as well. Nothing seems to be helping me at all.

I'd really appreciate any help.
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Avatar universal
Hi. my aunt uses supplements that contain zinc for hair, nail and skin norishment.  Zinc is a very useful mineral when it comes to improving your skin, nails, and hair from the inside out.
Helpful - 0
363281 tn?1643235611
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hello~Your diet sounds good, all those things should help and also keep the diabetes in the "normal" range. I would also like to add a list of some things that might help:

Vitamin E  

"Vitamin E can be used as both a supplement and as a topical remedy for dry skin. When taken orally, vitamin E's powerful antioxidant properties can help to protect the skin from further damage. Plus, it acts as an anti-inflammatory to soothe that dry, itchy redness that comes with dehydrated skin.

Fish Oil  

"One way that your body will tell you if you're deficient in Omega-3s is through dry and itchy skin," says Goodman."Omega-3s are extremely helpful when it comes to preventing inflammation, so you want to make sure you're getting enough. Flax seeds and fish are some of the best ways to get omega-3s in your diet, but if you're not a fan of either, you can always try a fish oil supplement."

Lutein and Zeaxanthin  

"These two carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that are not produced in the body, so they have to be added to the diet. One study found that supplementing lutein and zeaxanthin can increase the amount of moisture in the skin, which keeps it from drying out. The best way to get them in your diet is through leafy greens, so make sure you're eating plenty of kale and spinach." says Goodman.

Vitamin D  

"Vitamin D can be absorbed through your skin, but getting proper amounts can also affect how your skin looks. Low levels of vitamin D3 specifically have been linked to lower levels of moisture in the skin," taking an extra Vitamin D supplement would be beneficial.

Zinc  

"It's no wonder many lotions and creams that help to treat rashes and dry, itchy skin contain zinc. Zinc, because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, can prevent skin dryness and redness. Plus, it supports immune system–aiding enzymes that could help prevent conditions such as eczema that can cause dry skin,"again, adding this mineral would be helpful, in fact, I would suggest taking a good, high potency multi-mineral that has zinc it as they all work together.

Evening Primrose Oil  

"Filled with the fatty acids your body needs, evening primrose oil can help support healthy, moisturized skin from the inside out. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) comprise omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and play a key role in maintaining good skin health," says Jeffrey Gladd, MD, a member of the Care/of Scientific Advisory Board. "However, our bodies don't naturally produce EFAs, and therefore they can only be obtained through our diet and supplementation. evening primrose oil's role as a dry-skin preventative may be key in maintaining good skin health."

Probiotics  

"Many dry skin conditions are rooted in inflammation," notes Gladd. "Since inflammation comes from the immune system and the majority of your immune system lives in your digestive tract, it is essential to ensure you're supporting healthy digestion. Several recent studies have demonstrated that probiotics are key to good gut health. So it seems natural to say that what is good for your gut is good for your skin."

Astaxanthin  

"Research has demonstrated this antioxidant's ability to promote skin health and prevent signs of aging," says Gladd. "Supporting studies have also directly shown astaxanthin's role in suppressing water loss from the skin. Astaxanthin is what gives salmon and shrimp their bright coral color and is extracted from cultivated marine microalgae. As an antioxidant, astaxanthin reduces the natural oxidative stress on our skin over time and can support moisture retention to promote overall skin health."

















Helpful - 0
1081992 tn?1389903637
Hi. Hair, skin and nails? Have you been checked for hypothyroidism? Some say that can cause acne, too. Do you also have tiredness, weight gain and/or low body temp?

"I'm a type 1 Diabetic as well, if that means anything."
Having one autoimmunity generally means that you are more likely than average to have another.

Good luck to you.
Helpful - 0
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