Doctors don't usually recommend vitamins for skin tightening, but at least one of today's popular diet doctors suggests that fish, particularly salmon, is beneficial. You may have seen him on a daytime talk show or two. He's a dermatologist that has written at least a couple of books and has his own line of skincare products. But, that's enough about him. What about the salmon?

Body-builders and fitness experts consider salmon a super-food. It's right up there with broccoli on their list of foods to eat every day, if at all possible.

Salmon contains a lot of different nutrients, including protein, which is important for building muscle and new skin-cells. It is also one of the best known dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

In one study, researchers found that taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement on a daily basis for three month's improved the skin's firmness by about 10%. The volunteers participating in the study were frequently exposed to cold weather, which is very drying.

Fatty acids make up the skin's sebum, its natural moisturizer. When the skin is dry, it looks less tight. So, the improvement in moisture content could be the reason for the improvement in firmness. But, a 10% improvement is not really visible to the naked eye.

If you want vitamins for skin tightening, you would probably like to "see" the difference. The best results have been seen when nutrients are applied topically, not taken by mouth.

Although it is not technically a vitamin, coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is present in every cell of the body. The amount present in the skin's cells decreases with age and due to sun exposure. Several different studies have been conducted concerning the benefit of creams containing the ingredient. They have all shown positive results.

The best vitamins for skin tightening are those that have antioxidant activity, because antioxidants neutralize free radicals and free radical damage is one of the causes of lost firmness that accompanies the aging process.

The antioxidant vitamin E has long been recognized for its ability to protect against the signs of aging and to help reverse them. The antioxidant vitamin C is absolutely essential for the growth of new collagen fibers. It is those fibers that are responsible for the skin's firmness. Production of them decreases with age. That's why we see some sagging as we get a little older.

So, take some vitamins for skin tightening, if you like, but use some nourishing creams, too. That could make all of the difference in the world.