Alternative 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.

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 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.

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, 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 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 CO 2 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.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral crucial for cellular metabolism and structure—and as much as six percent is stored in the upper layers of your skin. Zinc assists antioxidants by preventing wrinkle-inducing free radicals from damaging the skin. It also strengthens the cell membranes and brings youthful new skin cells to the surface. Yet as we grow older, the body’s ability to absorb and utilize zinc declines, leading to a deficiency that can show up on your face. Too little zinc can also manifest as slow wound healing. Research suggests that boosting your zinc levels not only speeds the healing of wounds common to seniors, but also enhances cellular health for a younger-looking you! But when it comes to zinc, form matters. For maximum absorption, choose a zinc supplement chelated to the amino acid glycine (listed on labels as zinc bisglycinate). This amino acid helps shepherd the mineral through the intestinal wall, allowing it to be readily used by the body.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract provides skin with potent antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs for short. OPCs play a significant role in reducing inflammation in the skin and in supporting tissues rich in collagen and elastin. By positively affecting the proteins found in blood vessels, OPCs also help to enhance elasticity and the skin’s ability to renew and repair itself. In addition, they help stimulate the biosynthesis and maintenance of healthy collagen. Supplementing with OPCs can also reduce skin redness by as much as 13 percent. Studies have found these powerful antioxidants to protect against free radicalmediated skin inflammation and increase skin hydration. If that weren’t enough reason to add grape seed extract to your beauty routine, research shows that people who underwent surgeries to remove moles or skin tags had fewer infections when using a grape seed cream. OPCs also accelerated healing by as much as 50 percent. Be mindful when choosing a grape seed extract as some products have been adulterated with red peanut skins, which are a cheap and less effective source of OPCs. Instead, look for a tannin-free grape seed extract standardized to contain only small OPCs. Derived from a specific source of French grape seed called VX1, this type of grape seed extract is highly absorbable and more effective than cheaper sources.

Silica

Are you short on silica? A deficiency in this key mineral may reduce the skin’s elasticity. If you’re starting to see subtle signs of sagging (hello jowls!), it may be time to turn to silica to reinforce the structure of your skin. Here’s why: Silica is essential for the normal formation of collagen, a critical protein that acts like the mortar that holds a brick wall together. While silica can be found in foods like bananas, seafood, and spinach, absorption is limited due to it’s insolubility. The only way to get a meaningful amount is through supplementation. But when looking for a silica supplement, choose a formula that contains silica from a natural source like horsetail—a plant source not synthesized from chemicals. A daily dose of silica not only protects the building block of healthy skin, it’s great for hair and nails, too.