Few of us are willing to accept the signs of aging without putting up a fight. Read on to learn the latest age-fighting weapons!
If you have never heard of the term nutricosmetics, you would not be alone. Nutricosmetics are a growing number of edible and drinkable products containing specific nutrients known to promote healthy and radiant skin, in effect feeding your skin from the inside out.
Nutricosmetics have been hugely popular in Europe and Japan and are only now starting to gain acceptance in North America. Sales are expected to reach US$2.5 billion by 2012.
Antioxidants
Many products targeting skin health contain antioxidants, as they help to curb the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are produced naturally in our bodies and are byproducts of biochemical reactions.
Some skin-friendly antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as selenium and zinc.
Anti-inflammatories
Nutritional expert and television host Julie Daniluk, RHN, targets inflammation as an overlooked culprit to not only chronic pain but also skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Two potent omega-3 fatty acids that can dramatically reduce inflammation, she says, are eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), found readily in cold-water oily fish, including salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines.
Look for these ingredients
Exciting new skin research has uncovered a number of new ingredients that have a remarkable effect on skin health:
Ceramides
Natural ceramides have been known to help promote healthy skin hydration by restoring the skin barrier. They are found most notably in the oils of rice bran and wheat germ.
Cocoa
Containing higher levels of flavonoids per serving than black tea, green tea, and red wine, cocoa has been shown to increase skin hydration, thickness, and elasticity. Its long-term ingestion may protect against ultraviolet (UV) light.
Marine fish collagen
Research shows internal use of fish collagen improves skin moisture level. It also smoothes the skin by reducing the number of micro-relief furrows and even prevents deep wrinkles from forming.
Lycopene
Found naturally in a range of red-coloured fruits including tomatoes, melons, papayas, and pink grapefruits, lycopene is said to protect cells against the damage caused by UV radiation to the skin.
The new buzzword in nutrition and cosmetic circles may be nutricosmetics, but in the fight against aging, it’s no surprise that a healthy body equals beautiful skin.
Related Articles
- Antioxidants
- Deflating Inflammation
