skin health

Skin is our body’s front-line defense against the environment, and that’s why it deserves more thought than the occasional token application of sunscreen. If we think of our body as a complete system, it should come as no surprise that everything we do affects our skin, from environmental conditions such as sun or humidity, to internal conditions, especially nutrition.

By far the greatest impact from the environment comes from the sun. While most people today are conscientious about avoiding sunburn, we still think of a suntan as a positive thing, even a sign of health. In reality, a tan is evidence that skin has been stressed and damaged, resulting in the production of more melatonin as a defense. Contrary to the belief that a “good” tan will provide protection from a future burn, a suntan only protects up to the level of SPF 4 –almost zero protection against the harmful effects of UV rays.

People tend to focus on sun protection in summer, and then forget about sunscreen in winter. While it’s true we benefit from some sun exposure during the colder months (which promotes the manufacture of Vitamin D) keep in mind that UV rays never go on vacation. Neither should our sunscreen.

On a molecular level, skin benefits from the same nutrients we ingest, like vitamins A, B, C and E. Does this mean that good nutrition will take care of all your skin needs? According to Shea Boothe-Wood at TrueBeautyRx in Dallas, it’s a good start, but not the ultimate answer.

“Studies show you can’t get enough vitamins through your diet to help your skin. It’s a question of bioavailability,” Boothe-Wood says. This means that vitamins taken orally will often be intercepted by the body for other uses before they reach the skin. Over the past ten years, numerous studies have shown that topical compounds applied directly to the skin deliver the essential nutrients, are well-absorbed, and can be beneficial for a variety of conditions.

One of the best-known topical compounds is Vitamin A, also known as Retinol. “Vitamin A causes cell turnover, which exfoliates,” Boothe-Wood says. “The top layer of skin is made up of dead cells, so it’s important to exfoliate, but then what? What boosts the skin? Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Peptides.”

The anti-oxidant Vitamin C is connected to cell repair, which is why some people increase their intake during cold and flu season. Originally, researchers were interested in Vitamin C as a deterrent to skin cancers. In addition, research established that benefits extend to improving overall skin health, which results in im-

Skin Care Non-Negotiables:

• Topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) in the morning

• Topical Vitamin A (Retinol) at night

• Coupled with an anti-aging Growth Factor morning and night

• Broad-spectrum sunblock everyday

— Shea Boothe-Wood, TrueBeautyRx provedappearance. Vitamin C applied directly to skin in the form of L-ascorbic acid has been shown to reverse cell damage, including damage caused by sun.

Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production. In skin, Boothe-Wood says, “Collagen is like the mattress, and elastin is like the springs of the mattress. When they break down, the mattress gets lumpy.”

Another antioxidant, Vitamin E, is credited with providing protection against skin cancer through its beneficial effects against UV rays and sun damage. Vitamin E preparations can actually increase the effectiveness of sunscreen when applied twenty minutes before sun exposure, to allow for maximum absorption. Vitamin E is also credited with helping reduce water loss through the skin, and in strengthening the skin’s function as a barrier.

Aside from vitamins, research has isolated an epidural growth factor (EGF) in skin, which supports cell renewal and wound repair. Whenever skin is damaged by a cut or burn, EGF, a protein found in the dermal layer, causes surrounding cells to ramp up their repair functions. EGF also stimulates cells to produce collagen.

As with all areas of health care, it helps to be an informed participant when you pursue your own best skin treatment. Ultimately, your informed questions are best answered by your doctor. Your general practitioner will have many of the answers. For more specific questions about treatments and products, you can turn to dermatologists and medically-backed skin care clinics, where doctors and treatment providers specialize in knowledge of skin-care procedures and the use of products that aren’t available over the counter.