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Common skin problems are usually treated with store bought products. These products contain a variety of man-made 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 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 list a large number of ingredients that are difficult 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 published in the British Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that nutrients high in beta-carotene -- a form of vitamin A -- reduced the risk of psoriasis.

Vitamin B Complex.Lately, greater attention is being paid to topical preparations containing B vitamins. These creams can help give skin an almost instant healthy glow while moisturizing cells and increasing overall tone.

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

Niacin, another specific B vitamin, helps skin retain humidity, so creams made with 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 higher concentrations it can also act as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

Vitamin K. As the element responsible for aiding blood coagulate, Vitamin K won't do much for your skin from the inside. But studies 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 research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, doctors 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 efficient for those dark circles.

In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors 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 efficient 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 avoidance. Taken in supplement form or applied in a cream, this mineral helps protect skin from sun damage. If you do spend any time in the sun, selenium may help minimize your chance of burning.

Copper. Still another important mineral is copper. In combination with vitamin C and zinc, copper aids in the development of elastin, the fibers that support 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. Administered internally or applied topically, zinc works to clear skin by taming oil production and may be efficient in regulating the formation of acne lesions or help those already on your skin to fade sooner. Food sources of zinc include oysters, lean meat, and poultry.

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