ALT ERNATIVE
MEDICINE CHEST
ANTI-AGING SKINCARE FROM THE INSIDE OUT Are you looking for a better way to fight the signs of aging skin? These natural solutions go far beyond overly hyped anti-aging creams and injectables to address the true cause of those pesky furrows and tiny lines that appear over time.
Sea Buckthorn Sea buckthorn has a reputation for being the “elixir of youth”—and with good reason. Sea buckthorn supplies the body with a rare fatty acid called omega-7 that protects against this oxidative damage by encouraging the development of new skin cells. In addition, sea buckthorn boasts flavonoids, fat-soluble vitamins, 30
Astaxanthin It might not be easy to pronounce, but astaxanthin is a powerful way to ward off premature skin aging. Because it’s an antioxidant-rich carotenoid, astaxanthin protects skin from harmful free radicals that damage DNA and accelerate the breakdown of the skin’s structural integrity. One way it does this is by acting as a natural sunscreen to guard against UV-induced skin damage. But its anti-aging benefits don’t stop there. A clinical study of women who worked outdoors and were exposed to the harsh sun and wind from August to December reported that astaxanthin preserved
and omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids. It’s also an excellent source of palmitic acid, which may increase the synthesis of elastin and collagen, two proteins that keep your skin young and strong, and reduce the appearance and onset of wrinkles. Studies show that sea buckthorn helps reduce UV-induced inflammation following excessive sun exposure. Bottom line? Sea buckthorn protects and restores skin, speeding up cell regeneration and renewal while helping it retain
healthy skin. It also suppressed inflammation, reduced wrinkles, and strengthened the skin’s matrix and structure, slowing the visible signs of aging. Other clinical research has shown that astaxanthin, used as both a supplement and topical cream, improved the appearance of crow’s feet, restored elasticity, softened skin texture, reduced age spots, and boosted moisture content. In some cases, the participants’ crow’s feet disappeared completely after just two months of use. For an added bonus, choose an astaxanthin supplement with CoQ10 for help in promoting the production of energy in the mitochondria, which are often referred to as the powerhouses of cells. moisture and elasticity. One clinical study showed that women in their early 60s who used sea buckthorn saw a 49 percent improvement in skin moisture, 26 percent better elasticity, and a 9.2 percent reduction in wrinkles. To get these benefits, opt for a sea buckthorn supplement that includes both seed and pulp oil for the full benefits of the plant. It’s also important to look for a solventfree, supercritical CO2 extraction, which is listed as SB-150 on the Supplement Facts box, to ensure you’re getting a clinically tested, highly viable sea buckthorn supplement.
