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Common skin problems are usually treated with store bought products. These products contain a variety of man-made chemicals that appear in such low dosages that they cause no real effect.

When we go to our local drugstore and look for a product or treatment that will relieve our ailment. We usually ask the store attendant what he/she recommends, but do you really know what you're buying? What makes things worse is that most products will have a long list of tongue twisting ingredients that are hard to understand. However, here is a short list of vitamins that are common in skin care products and that may help you understand what the cream is actually doing to your skin.

The Important Role of Vitamins

Vitamin A. In an investigation that appeared in the British Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that foods high in beta-carotene -- a form of vitamin A -- appeared to minimize the risk of psoriasis.

Vitamin B Complex.Recently, greater attention is being paid to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These creams can help confer skin an almost instant healthy glow while moisturizing cells and enhancing general tone.

For the skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that creates the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin condition) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes symptoms.

Niacin, another special B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams containing this nutrient can help your skin look plumper and younger in as little as 6 days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry skin. In stronger concentrations it can also act as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

Vitamin K. As the element responsible for aiding blood clot, Vitamin K will not do much for your skin from the inside. But researches presented in the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 showed that topical vitamin K works well to minimize circles under the eye as well as bruises. In study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors found that skin therapies with vitamin K cream after laser surgery greatly reduced bruising. When combined with vitamin A in a cream, vitamin K can be even more effective for those dark circles.

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that the local application of a gel containing a type of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in minimizing dark under-eye circles while also decreasing wrinkles.

Minerals Beneficial for Skin Nutrition

Selenium. A number of scientists believe this mineral plays a crucial role in skin cancer avoidance. Taken in supplement form or applied in a cream, this mineral helps shield skin from solar damage. If you do spend any time in the sun, selenium may help minimize your chance of burning.

Copper. Still another crucial mineral is copper. In combination with vitamin C and zinc, copper aids in the production of elastin, the fibers that hold skin structure from underneath.

Zinc. The next mineral that is important to skin repair is zinc especially if you have acne. In fact, sometimes acne itself is a sign of a zinc deficiency. Taken internally or applied topically, zinc works to clean skin by taming oil production and may be effective in controlling the appearance of acne lesions or help those already on your skin to clear sooner. Food sources of zinc are oysters, lean meat, and poultry.

By keeping in mind this short list of vitamins and minerals, choosing the right skin care products will be much easier.