It often goes overlooked that what we put into our bodies is just as important as what we apply externally for the health of our skin. The saying "you are what you eat" directly correlates with the appearance of our skin and the way it feels. These 2 articles provide valuable information as to how to treat yourselves inside and out. They are lengthy, but are a great read.
Internal Help
Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what acts as a barrier to harmful things, but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell. Because it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. And that means plumper, younger looking skin. Also, the same inflammatory process that can harm our arteries and cause heart disease can harm skin cells. Essential fatty acids can offer protection to both.
Investigative studies have shown the link between healthy skin texture and the intake of essential oils is the positive effect these unsaturated fats have on the development of prostaglandin (PG) hormones, which are synthesized within the epidermal skin cells. Studies show that the developing skin cells extract essential oils from the bloodstream and convert them into PG hormones. Once taken up by skin cells, the essential fats become one of three types of prostaglandin hormones: PG-1, PG-2, and PG-3.
Good fats such as fish, flax and borage produce PG-1 and PG-3. Bad fats produce PG-2. Borage oil converts to PG-1, while fish and flax oils convert to PG-3. This combination of oils work together to produce absolutely beautiful, luscious skin that smooth, soft, silky, and radiant.
Another benefit is PG-3 may be effective in the prevention of skin cancer. Research shows omega-3 fats slowed the division rate of skin cells by promoting the formation of PG-3, which helps reduce the incidence of mutations and inflammatory conditions, even when cells are exposed to ultraviolet light. Thus, omega-3 fat supplementation may help guard against the development of skin cancer, in addition to slowing skin aging. In contrast, experimental studies have shown that higher PH-2 levels in skin cells promoted significantly more cancer development when cells were exposed to ultraviolet light than did skin cells with lower concentrations of PG-2.
We should supplement with 400 milligrams (mg) each of flaxseed, borage, and fish oils. This can be found in a 1,200 mg all-in-one capsule. For best results, take two to three capsules daily. Individuals with very dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis may require up to six capsules a day to reverse these conditions.
When will we see results?
As we age, our cell renewal rate slows down to every forty-five to seventy-four days. Some very impressive changes occur within the first thirty days of supplementation, and by the end of two and a half to three months, most individuals report dramatic improvement in their skin’s texture and appearance.
Topical/External Help
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the formation of collagen, the fibrous protein that contributes to skin firmness and the elasticity of the skin. When your skin is exposed to free-radical generators like UV light, smoke, air, etc. the level of Vitamin C becomes depleted. You cannot stimulate the skins fibroblasts by increasing your oral intake of Vitamin C, so it is necessary to replenish it topically. Topical Vitamin C must be stable, active able to be absorbed, and remain throughout the life of a product once opened. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the relatively few topical agents whose effectiveness against wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a fair amount of reliable scientific evidence.
Free radicals are produced during normal skin functions, but dramatically multiply with exposure to sun, air pollution, and other environmental assaults. Free radicals ravage the skin cells in the epidermis (top layer of your skin) and break down the collagen in the dermis that gives your skin its youthful resilience. Skin becomes discolored, loses elasticity, and ages faster than it should. Topical Vitamin C is the only ingredient that directly stimulates the skin's fibroblasts, providing the spark that produces living collagen in concert with specific chains of amino acids.
Vitamin C solutions should be used after your cleanser, or cleanser and toner in the morning before any lotions, creams or sunscreens are applied. With regular use, Vitamin C products can produce a complexion that is visibly brighter and clearer, with a smooth tight texture.
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is usable by the body. It plays a role both as an antioxidant and as a wrinkle reducer in many anti-aging skin care products and wrinkle creams. Inside the skin cells, retinol is converted into retinoic acid which activates the metabolism of the skin cells.
As an antioxidant, retinol helps to counteract the damage caused by free radicals. In this role, retinol helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
More dramatically, retinol helps to speed up the metabolism of the skin cells. When delivered into the cells of the skin, each individual cell begins converting retinol into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid stimulates the skin cells, leading to faster regeneration and rejuvenation. Also leaving the appearance of a youthful, healthy glow, and helping to reduce the size of wrinkles.
Retinol comes in varies different strengths which can be applied nightly, weekly or monthly. Retinol should be used in the evening, after cleansing and before applying moisturizers.
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