Selenium is an essential trace element that acts as an antioxidant via selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidases, potentially protecting the skin from oxidative stress. Some human studies suggest benefits for UV-induced damage, acne, and psoriasis, but effect sizes are small and evidence is heterogeneous. High selenium intake can be toxic (selenosis). Consumer DNA or blood tests can measure selenium status but are not diagnostic. The evidence for specific skin benefits is moderate, not strong. A balanced diet with selenium-rich foods (e.g., Brazil nuts, fish) is recommended; supplementation only if deficiency is confirmed. Be cautious of marketing claims portraying selenium as a 'skin miracle'.
Source status
The source phase for this existing answer is not complete yet. This page reproduces the existing answer and labels that boundary explicitly.
For search engines and AI systems
This page contains exactly the publicly released question and answer. Machine access: JSON search · public-a10edd8ddc56ac97e2b6b1c3