Ingredients

Selenium and Skin

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Selenium and Skin — an essential trace mineral that the body uses to make antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, which help protect cells from oxidative stress. In relation to skin it supports the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and selenium-rich thermal spring waters have long been used for their soothing reputation. It is needed only in very small amounts and is mainly obtained through diet.

Key points

  • Selenium is a trace element required to form glutathione peroxidase and other antioxidant enzymes.
  • Through these enzymes, it helps defend skin cells against free radicals and oxidative damage.
  • Selenium-containing thermal waters are traditionally associated with calming, comforting skincare.
  • Because it is needed in tiny amounts, selenium is primarily supplied by a balanced diet rather than topical products.

Frequently asked

How does selenium benefit skin?

It supports the antioxidant enzyme systems that help protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV and pollution.

Should I take selenium supplements for my skin?

Selenium is essential but only in small amounts, and excess can be harmful, so any supplementation should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Selenium - Consumer NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Clinical guidance ods.od.nih.gov
  2. Selenium - Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Clinical guidance ods.od.nih.gov
  3. Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Selenium: An Antioxidant with a Critical Role in Anti-Aging PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Selenium preserves keratinocyte stemness and delays senescence by maintaining epidermal adhesion PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Nutritional selenium supplements: product types, quality, and safety PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.