We're visiting the fountain of youth again but this time to take a closer look at supplements that have particular effects on the skin.
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In our previous post ‘The Fountain of Youth #1: Rewinding the DNA clock’ we examined the research suggesting that, to some extent, aging can be slowed down. And we looked too at the supplements that can help with that.
So now we’re visiting the fountain of youth again but this time to take a closer look at supplements that have particular effects on the skin.
Skin Deep
The effects of ageing are far from being skin deep. Though ageing’s visible effects are the ones that we notice most and are most preoccupied with.
As we age every layer of skin becomes depleted and disorganized. This happens from the outer epidermis to the supporting muscle and deepest fat layers. There becomes less and less collagen, hyaluronan and elastin in our skin. Apart from external tear and wear this also contributes to skin ageing.[1]
It’s possible to plump up and smooth out the epidermis with topical anti-ageing creams. But for the best results skin needs to be rebuilt both from the outside in and from the inside out.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”48518″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_column_text]The answer lies in the cells For genuine anti-ageing effects, activation of cellular mechanisms and biochemical anti-aging pathways is what’s needed.
So why take this approach? Well, with improved cellular function all your cells become more efficient and that makes for improved results.[2]
Improve cellular function through natural anti-ageing supplements and you reverse your skin age in a genuine, biological sense.
When you’re cells are younger – you look younger!
We’ve mentioned supplements and preparations that have useful anti-aging properties – so what follows is what you need to know about six of them.
In our first drink at the fountain of youth we mentioned EGCG and catechins found in green tea and talked of its telomere lengthening properties. But it’s known to that green tea can protect the skin from UVB and UVA damage and for its effect on collagenase. [3]
Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen and we get more of it as we get older. The upshot being thinner skin, sagging and wrinkles.
The role of green tea in all this is that the catechins it contains, in particular EGCG, inhibits collagenase action by as much as 88 percent.[4] It can also prevent wrinkles forming with its anti-elastase activities. [5]
It’s collagen that gives the skin its firmness but it’s HA that nourishes and hydrates the collagen. Hyaluronic acid levels are yet another thing that ageing sends tumbling – perhaps by as much as 50 percent. And dry and sagging skin ensues. Several studies show that ingestion of hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin [6].
If you want more hyaluronic acid then glucosamine is the way to go. This amino-monosaccharide speeds up production rates of hyaluronic acid in the joints and skin. For that reason its best known for its effects on joint health. Yet some 2001 research showed that supplementing with glucosamine yielded a 34 percent reduction in the number of visible wrinkles and fine lines. [7] What it doesn’t do though is keep the skin hydrated. For that purpose hyaluronic acid is best. And drinking sufficient water of course.
Coenzyme Q10 contributes to your skin’s overall appearance and health. In a trial in Japan, adults taking oral coenzyme Q10 observed that wrinkle depth, number and area decreased in just two weeks. [8]
Biosynthesis or anabolism is a complicated process that catalyses enzymes. What you need to know is that your skin can’t biosynthesize gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) on its own. So the diet must provide it. Research shows that supplementing with borage oil for two months made a significant improvement to skin functions. [9]
Any Dr Who fans will know all about regeneration. When the skin regenerates it sheds dead skin cells allowing healthier and more radiant cells to take the place. Important to this process are anti-oxidants.
Free radicals are a cause of the physical wear and tear we attribute to ageing. They get into our bodies via poor diet, chemical contaminants, pollution and too much exposure to UV light. Free radical damage ages us fast by damaging our skin.
Acai berries, loved for their skin-glowing ability, contain lots of antioxidants. [10] And plentiful antioxidants allows for effective scavenging for free radicals.
In summary then: The building blocks of the dermis become depleted with age. The supplements we’ve discussed can help to replenish those building blocks and offer protection from oxidative damage with the potential for spectacular results on skin condition.
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