Selenium

Selenium is a trace element, which is nutritionally essential for humans. It is a constituent of more than two dozen selenoproteins that play critical roles in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis.

 Selenium protects the skin from UV irradiation-induced oxidative stress by stimulating the activities of the selenium-dependent antioxidant enzymes which neutralizes free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds. Selenium is similar to vitamin E and actually works with the vitamin to safeguard cell membranes.