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Posts Tagged ‘free radical’

Cosmeceuticals and Antioxidants - What Really Works?

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

You may be hearing the term “cosmeceutical” more and more when it comes to skincare. This fancy term refers to over the counter products that claim to deliver skin benefits similar to those of prescription grade products. The purposes of cosmeceuticals might include, but are not limited to protecting skin from UV damage (sunscreens), reducing free radical formation (antioxidants), improving skin lipid barrier (moisturizers), evening out complexion (bleaching agents and antioxidants), smoothing texture, reducing pore size and improving wrinkles (retinoids and collagen stimulators).

When you read labels on products, you may see they contain vitamin C, enzymes, phytochemicals, etc., but bear in mind that not all cosmeceuticals are created equal. Simply taking an active ingredient and bottling it, does not mean it will actually work when put on the skin. To have an effect, the active ingredients must be in the right concentrations and in the proper formulation to actually penetrate the skin and be biologically available for use by your skin cells.  Always be sure to check with a dermatologist first before spending money on products you are unsure of.

It is also important to know that one product alone cannot address every cosmetic skin issue. A combination of cosmeceuticals, such as sunscreen and antioxidants along with prescription strength topicals like Retin-A and hydroquinone (bleaching agent), will give you a balanced skin care program incorporating the best of both product worlds.

My favorite “cosmeceuticals” are antioxidants, which have been clinically proven to combat the signs of aging. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and environmental pollutants are known to cause skin damage. They create “free radicals” which are just what their name implies – highly unstable, reactive molecules that steal electrons from healthy skin cells, damaging DNA and destroying the cells. This causes age spots, wrinkles and skin cancer. Antioxidants are important because they significantly reduce the production of free radicals in the skin or absorb these radicals and their byproducts. Vitamins C and E and other compounds like ferulic acid, idebenone, green tea and coffe berrry are all proven effective from trusted sources. These sources include Skinceuticals Vitamin C products, Prevage MD (highest percentage of idebenone available), Topix Green Tea and Revaleskin (coffee berry), which are available in our office or at our webstore. These can help prevent skin cancer and keep skin firm and young looking.  For best effect they should be used in the daytime under sunscreen. Please contact the office with any questions about which antioxidant is right for you!

 

Healthy Skin from the Inside Out! Join us for Free Sushi, Green Tea and Advice on Green Tea Products, May 1st

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Patients often ask me if there are any supplements, vitamins, etc. that they should take to keep their skin more youthful and healthy.  My response is that nothing is more beneficial to your skin than a well-balanced diet.  Enough can’t be said about this simple and practical way to make your skin look its best.  The skin is the largest organ of the body, so poor eating habits certainly affect its appearance.  A lifetime of healthy eating will keep you looking better, longer.  I’ve listed a few foods that are especially good for the skin.  Keep in mind that moderation and staying within your energy needs is key to getting the benefits without excessive calorie intake.  For more details, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Green Tea: A powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It helps protect against free radical damage and slows down the signs of aging.  It may also play a role in reducing skin cancer and sun damage by decreasing the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Nuts:  Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds all have vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that helps protect against free radicals.  They also contain essential fatty acids (omega-3s) that strengthen cell membranes and help keep cells hydrated, making the skin look plumper and smoother.  In addition to fatty acids, the brazil nut is a good source of selenium, which prevents deterioration of cells.  The brazil nut and walnut also contain zinc, an anti-inflammatory for skin cells.

Salmon, Tuna, Avocados:  Lots of essential fatty acids found in these foods.  Avocados also contain B-vitamins for healthy skin cell development.

Berries:  Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai berries and plums are full of anti-oxidants, which help repair cells and neutralize the free radical damage caused by the sun and other environmental sources like smoke and pollutants.

Tomatoes:  Lycopene is readily absorbed from cooked tomatoes and scavenges free-radicals.  It also may help with cell metabolism, making skin cells work more efficiently.

Vitamin A:  This skin essential can be derived directly from low-fat dairy products like yogurt (the best choice for people with certain health problems).  It can also be converted by your body from beta-carotene rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes.

Whole grain breads & cereals:  Contain selenium and B-vitamins for healthy skin cell development and prevention of oxidative damage.

Water:  Since water makes up over 70% of our bodies, it only makes good sense that staying hydrated keeps our skin working its best.

Please stop by our office on Friday, May 1st to enjoy free sushi and green tea!  We will also have a representative available to discuss the benefits of topical green tea products when used directly on the skin.  We hope you can join us!

 

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