Supplementing with fish oil has already shown therapeutic benefits in treating several skin conditions, including atopic eczema, acne, psoriasis, and even burns. Local treatment with fish oil may also be a useful complement, although more clinical studies are needed, according to a review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Since many skin disorders involve chronic inflammation, it is generally recommended to ensure fish oil is taken at a therapeutic dose. Fish oil also helps counteract dry skin, which is more vulnerable.

Vitamin C plays a role in connective tissue, the immune system, the brain, hormone balance, the circulatory system, and iron absorption. In addition, it functions as a unique antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from damage caused by oxidative stress. Official recommendations have primarily focused on preventing the classical deficiency disease scurvy, but evidence suggests that even mild deficiencies make the body more vulnerable. In a review article published in Molecules, the authors examined vitamin C’s therapeutic role in supporting quality of life and in the prevention of infections and various chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer.

In the case of wounds or skin lesions, an active form of vitamin A regulates how stem cells initiate healing processes and produce new skin. This was demonstrated in a study from Rockefeller University that is published in the journal Science. In the future, researchers plan to look closer at how active vitamin A can be used to regulate stem cells as a way of preventing and treating skin cancer.