Fragrantly Beautiful

Beauty is skin deep....

IF life is about change, skin is proof of it. In 1956, Dr Denham Harman, the “father” of the free radical theory of ageing, defined “ageing” as a result of the damage free radicals do to all the molecules of the cell. Now, scientists believe that the free radical theory of ageing also applies to the skin1.

The skin is actually one of the most hardworking and the body’s largest organ. This sturdy stuff comprises 20 square feet in most adults and weighs anywhere from six to ten pounds. It’s washable, stretchable, tough and waterproof. And, it’s much more complex than it appears on the surface!

Our skin consists of three individual layers; epidermis (area that you touch, feel and see), dermis (the thickest section of the skin where blood vessels, white blood cells, nerve endings, hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands can be found) and subcutaneous layer (which is composed of an extensive network of connective tissue laced with fat cells).

Collagen is a major structural protein in the skin. It makes up 75% of our skin; thus, the smooth, plump appearance of young, healthy skin is due to the presence of healthy collagen levels.

Collagen is a connective tissue and is the cement that holds everything together – the primary mortar between the bricks of all of our smooth muscle tissues such as blood vessels, digestive tract, heart, gallbladder, kidneys and bladder.

Collagen, along with elastin, is a key structural component of bones, cartilage, tendons, the skin, lung tissue and blood vessels. Collagen provides structure and firmness to body tissues, while elastin provides flexibility to those same tissues.

Collagen is produced in our body by cells called fibroblasts. As we age, our body’s production of collagen slows down; from the age of 25, collagen levels start to deplete at a rate of 1.5% every year, and by the age of 40, the body stops manufacturing collagen altogether.

As ageing occurs, cellular proteins hook together or change shape. These changes keep the proteins from doing their jobs properly, resulting in a loss of collagen and less firmness to body tissues. This process eventually leads to wrinkles.

Thus, one important target of wrinkle prevention and elimination is to reduce collagen breakdown and increase its supply. Stimulating collagen synthesis in aged skin has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and even deeper wrinkles.

When most people think about the good things that they can do for their skin, they usually think about things they can apply on their skin rather than what they can consume to make their skin healthier. Although topical application of skin care products is essential, equally important is the nourishment of the skin from the inside.

Some of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can give your skin the youthful glow of good health include the following.

Marine extract
Marine extract2,3 is well known as “skin food from the sea”. It provides amino acids and glycosaminoglycans needed for skin cell replacement. The role of marine extract is to nourish the skin from the inside and maintain the highest levels of skin texture through the continuous renewal of its cells, preventing dehydration and minimising the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks.

Marine extract helps boost collagen production naturally (the primary structural support system of the skin), strengthens nails and hair follicles, smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin, and gives skin a younger and shining look.

Acerola extract
Acerola4,5,6, also known as Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry or cereza, is one of the highest sources of vitamin C available. It is derived from the Malpighia glabra tree native to Central and South America. Just one tiny acerola has over 80mg of vitamin C

Vitamin C plays an important role in determining the condition of the skin. It is essential for efficient synthesis of collagen, bones, teeth and blood vessels. Many of the symptoms of scurvy (vitamin C deficiency disease) such as bleeding gums, skin haemorrhage and poor wound healing are due to impaired collagen synthesis.

Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells (fibroblasts) dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. On the other hand, supplying extra vitamin C can accelerate collagen synthesis, especially when other key ingredients are also in abundance.

The antioxidant property of vitamin C also helps to maintain healthy skin and reduce skin damage caused by free radicals.

Zinc
Zinc7,8,9 is an essential trace mineral which is most important for cell production. Every cell in the body needs this nutrient and hundreds of body processes rely on it, from the immune system and the enzymes that produce DNA to the senses of taste and smell.

Zinc is concentrated in the muscles, bones, kidneys, liver and skin. It is important in the metabolism of vitamin A and collagen. It helps maintain skin protein synthesis and repairs the skin’s top layer in part by helping to process the essential fatty acids that encourage healing.

In some studies, zinc has been linked to skin health because it enhances the immune system, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy hormone levels. Acne may improve as a result.

There aren’t too many women that haven’t flipped through magazines, wishing they had youthful, flawless skin like the models in the ads. Sure, there is a lot of air brushing that goes on to get that flawless look. But wouldn’t it still be great to wake up to skin that really looked like that every morning? It can be achieved with a little work and a lot of pampering. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Don’t pick pimples.

2. Drink plenty of water! Water hydrates skin and hair as well as flushes toxins out of the body.

3. Fruits and vegetables are important for healthy skin and overall well-being.

4. Take supplements.

5. Limit sun exposure. Sun ages the skin and increases the risk of skin ailments.

6. Limit stress or learn to manage it effectively. Stress is harmful both emotionally and physically. Find the stress reliever activity that works best and use it on a daily basis!

7. Wash your face at least twice a day.

8. Don’t sleep with makeup on. Your pores need to breathe.

9. Do facial exercises and get facials.

10. Get plenty of rest.

11. Keep your hands away from your face. Hands carry germs that are often transferred to our faces.

12. Don’t forget suntan lotion and sunscreen.

13. Flaxseed oil is great for healing acne, eczema and dermatitis.

References:
1. Nicholas Perricone, MD. The Wrinkle Cure. Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for supple, Youthful Skin. 2005.
2. Fisher GJ, et.al. 1997. Pathophysiology of premature skin aging induced by ultraviolet light.
3. Advances in Biology of Skin, vol 6 (Montagna W. ed). Springfield: Charles C. Thomas, 1957
4. Derse Ph, Elvehjem CA. Nutrient content of acerola, a rich source of vitamin C. J Am Med Assoc. 1954 Dec 18;156(16):1501.
5. Clein NW. Acerola juice, the richest known source of vitamin C; a clinical study in infants. J Pediatr. 1956 Feb;48(2):140-5.
6. Motohashi N, Wakabayashi H, Kurihara T, Fukushima H, Yamada T, Kawase M, Sohara Y, Tani S, Shirataki Y, Sakagami H, Satoh K, Nakashima H, Molnar A, Spengler G, Gyemant N, Ugocsai K, Molnar J. Biological activity of barbados cherry (acerola fruits, fruit of Malpighia emarginata DC) extracts and fractions. Phytother Res. 2004 Mar;18(3):212-23.
7. Reader’s Digest. The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs 2000;390-391
8. Gottlieb, William. The Complete Book of Vitamins.
9. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D. 2000. Prescription for Nutritional Healing Third Edition.

Note: This article is courtesy of VitaHealth. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 1:26 PM