SOS For Winter Skin: Antioxidants Go Skin Deep

With record cold temperatures across the globe this winter, it may be our appearance that will suffer the most. Our skin is the first defense against any harsh environment whether its sun or frost. During the winter moisture levels drop in the atmosphere leading our skin to lose hydration and become chapped or red. Nurturing your skin inside and out is an essential part of keeping your skin radiant during cold months. As nutraceuticals enter the spa industry with more open arms the idea of preventing troubled skin from the inside out is becoming a more mainstream option. Antioxidants can improve nutrient uptake at the cellular level, which means your skin cells get the moisture and nutrients it needs to stay supple and youthful even in harsh weather.

Antioxidants and their role inside and out

Supplementing your diet with antioxidants can be just as important as topically adding these nutrients on your skin. As we age our skin loses elasticity and vibrancy and supplementing becomes an integral part in maintaining a healthy looking appearance. So how do we age healthfully and look ten years younger?

As advances continue in both the nutritional and Cosmaceutical industry the connection between them becomes clearer. “Most scientific evidence shows that what we put into our body impacts our skin more than what we put on it”, says Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, director of botanical medicine at the University of Arizona’s integrative medicine program.

Eating healthier with skin nourishing foods can prolong the suppleness of your skin. The lifestyle choices we make today will make the difference for our skin’s appearance tomorrow. Try avoiding sodas, excessive sun, alcoholic beverages, sugar, caffeine, fried foods and replace them with raw and fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and white meats. Even the healthiest of diets may still lack some important nutrients due to over processing, soil depletion, pollution and modern transportation of produce. Keep in mind that using a multi-vitamin/mineral and antioxidant supplement can also be a beneficial insurance policy.

Antioxidants To Supplement With:

Vitamin A, C, and E: Promote skin health and may prevent skin from aging.

Acai: It has twice the level of antioxidants present in blueberries and 50% more antioxidant than pomegranate. Also contains beneficial omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, fiber, calcium and other vitamins.

Cocoa: Contains several trace minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium. Cocoa contains natural caffeine, which provides high energy and as an antioxidant, it enhances the immune system.

Cranberries: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, citric acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, B-vitamins and vitamin E. Also contains anthocyanins, which is helpful with bacteria build-up.

Grape seed: Many nutrients are found in grapes especially antioxidants that promote heart health by acting as free radical scavengers, promoting healthy cholesterol levels and providing support for healthy blood vessels, veins and arteries.

Mangosteen: Contains xanthones, a family of phyto-nutrients. They have been researched to promote healthy digestion, immune response and joint flexibility. Mangosteen has also shown to be a good for the respiratory system.

Olive: This wonderful fruit contains phenolics, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties, which provides support for the cardiovascular system.

Pomegranate: A very good source of antioxidants, fatty acids and botanical estrogens. Contains high level of polyphenol antioxidants and helps neutralize free radicals, which can cause damage to the skin. It helps repair aging skin by reversing the damage and retexturing the skin. In addition to health benefits, it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric: This spice helps support the joints from inflammation, boosts immunity and provides support for mental clarity and memory.

Selenium: Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland.

Lutein: A recent human clinical study showed 10 mg of lutein daily increased skin hydration, elasticity and skin lipid content.

Lycopene: A relative newcomer to the world of skin care, belongs in the carotenoid family. Lycopene is a powerful free radical scavenger, which has shown to provide benefit in improving skin texture.

Tea (green, black and white): Rich in antioxidants epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), providing anti-aging benefits. It is 200 times stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C. It helps restore our radiant complexions.

Another essential nutrient is water. Though not an actual antioxidant, water is one of the most important sources of maintaining a healthy complexion. Plus, well-hydrated skin keeps us looking younger and vibrant year round.

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