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Common skin problems are usually treated with over-the-counter medication. These products are made with 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 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 make a more informed decision.

The Important Role of Vitamins

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

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

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

Niacin, another specific B vitamin, helps skin hold 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 work 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 reduce circles under the eye as well as bruises. In study appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002, specialists found 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 appeared in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, specialists from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found 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 minimizing dark under-eye circles while also softening wrinkles.

Minerals Beneficial for Skin Nutrition

Selenium. Several scientists believe this mineral plays a crucial role in skin cancer prevention. Taken in supplement form or applied in a cream, this mineral helps protect skin from solar damage. If you do spend any time in the sun, selenium may help reduce your possibility of burning.

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

Zinc. The third 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. Administered internally or applied topically, zinc works to clear skin by taming oil production and may be effective in controlling the formation of acne lesions or help those already on your skin to fade sooner. Food sources of zinc are oysters, lean meat, and poultry.

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