Common skin problems are usually treated with store bought products. These products are made with a variety of man-made chemicals or ingredients 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 pick up a jar or bottle and read the ingredients, but what do they mean? 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 a study that appeared in the British Journal of Dermatology, specialists found that foods high in beta-carotene -- a type of vitamin A -- minimized the risk of psoriasis.

Vitamin B Complex.Lately, greater attention is being focused to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These products can help confer skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and enhancing overall tone.

When it comes to skin, the single most vital B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that creates the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without appropriate amounts, you may end up suffering dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin condition) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a small deficiency causes symptoms.

Niacin, another special B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams made with this nutrient can help your skin look better and younger in as little as six days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory abilities to treat dry skin. In higher concentrations it can also act as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

Vitamin K. As the nutrient responsible for helping blood clot, Vitamin K will not do much for your skin from the inside. But researches published in the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 demonstrated that topical vitamin K works well to minimize circles under the eye as well as bruises. In research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, specialists shown that skin treatments with vitamin K cream after laser surgery greatly alleviated 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, specialists from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo shown that the local use of a gel made with a derivative of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in reducing dark under-eye circles while also decreasing wrinkles.

Minerals Beneficial for Skin Nutrition

Selenium. Several researchers believe this mineral plays a crucial role in skin cancer prevention. Taken in supplement form or used in a cream, this mineral helps shield skin from sun 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. Along with vitamin C and zinc, copper helps in the production of elastin, the fibers that hold skin structure from underneath.

Zinc. The next mineral that is vital to skin repair is zinc especially if you have acne. Actually, sometimes acne itself is a symptom of a zinc deficiency. Taken internally or used topically, zinc works to clear 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 include oysters, lean meat, and poultry.

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