You’ve probably heard that calcium is good for your bones and iron for your blood—but what about your skin? That’s where selenium comes in.
Selenium is a trace mineral, which means our bodies need it only in tiny amounts—but those tiny amounts do powerful things. It plays a critical role in:
- Protecting cells from damage
- Supporting skin elasticity
- Fighting oxidative stress
- Boosting the immune system
- Helping regulate thyroid function
For your skin, selenium acts as an antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules caused by sun exposure and pollution that damage cells and speed up aging. Without enough selenium, your skin becomes more vulnerable to this damage, and age spots are more likely to appear and worsen over time.
Could a Selenium Deficiency Be Behind Your Age Spots?
You might not realize it, but many people—especially older adults—don’t get enough selenium. The signs are subtle at first:
