Table 1.

Summary of all natural compounds and minerals covered in this review.

Natural Compound or Mineral	Mechanism of Action(s) Involved in Maintaining Skin Health
1. Collagen (Section 2)	building block of collagen and elastin fibers-improves skin and nail health; inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); stimulates fibroblast function
2. Ceramides (Section 3)	provides the major component of the lipid “mortar” of the stratum corneum essential in the structure and maintenance of skin barrierintegrity; also involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis
3. Beta Carotene (Section 4)	provitamin A molecule, acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent and blocks ROS formation and/or ability to quench free radicals; prevents cellular damage, premature skin aging and skin cancer
4. Astaxanthin (Section 5)	potent antioxidant; anti-inflammatory agent; prevents DNA damage & enhancemitochondrial function, provides UV protection; activates the Nrf2 pathway toto stimulate production of other antioxidants; inhibits MMPs; stimulates collagenproduction and wound healing
5. Coenzyme Q10 (Section 6)	antioxidant; anti-aging properties-enhances collagen; potential treatment for psoriasis; accelerates generation of ATP levels after irradiation of fibroblasts
6. Colostrum (Section 7)	contains, growth factors and other immune regulatory factors that promote growth of keratinocytes and wound healing
7. Zinc (Section 8)	importance for skin morphogenesis, repair and maintenance such as wound healing
8. Selenium (Section 9)	acts as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GPX) removing harmful peroxides; involved in DNA synthesis and repair; prevents oxidative stress and UVB-radiation; also acts as an antioxidant