Nutrition & Beauty
Antioxidants And EFAs Promote Health From The Inside Out
by Heather Granato
Topical treatments are the standard for women looking to fight the ravages of aging. Anti-wrinkle creams, botox injections and face lifts all are designed to change the skin from the outside.
However, the skin is a mirror of internal health. As the body’s largest organ, the skin reflects years of toxic buildup, environmental exposure and degradation of cellular health. A foundation of good nutrition benefits the skin directly and indirectly, by preserving cellular moisture, enhancing collagen synthesis and protecting against oxidative damage.
The Dietary Supplement Education Alliance recently reported a number of Hollywood stars are turning to dietary supplements to enhance their skin health.
Salma Hayek takes vitamin C, echinacea and ginger to support her healthy glow, while Demi Moore relies on vitamins for detoxification and energy. Offering customers basic nutritional support for their skin may not turn them into starlets, but can serve as an adjunct to their skinhealth program.
Antioxidants
Look for the “ace” in the hole for supporting healthy skin, hair and nails. Vitamins A, C and E fight the effects of pollutants, environmental toxins and stress at the cellular level. The body uses vitamin A to maintain and repair normal skin tissue, and support differentiation of the cells that form the skin, mucous membranes and blood-vessel walls. It also strengthens the epithelial cell barrier against foreign toxins, boosting immune function. Most vitamin A in the diet—and in supplemental form—comes through carotenoids including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and cryptoxanthin (the carotenoid used to color butter). Carotenes are transformed to vitamin A in the body as needed, avoiding possible toxicity associated with high intake of fat-soluble A.
Vitamin C is required for the body to manufacture collagen, the protein that comprises the body’s connective tissue. Collagen gives form to the organs and skins, and further strengthens blood vessels. As an antioxidant, this vitamin acts as a detoxifier and may help reduce the effects of drugs such as cortisone and aspirin. It further helps metabolize nutrients such as tryptophan and folic acid.
Finally, vitamin E maintains the integrity of cell membranes and promotes tissue repair. It is a powerful free-radical quencher, helping protect the skin from damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, and blocks the activity of an enzyme that breaks down collagen. On a different note, vitamin E was once known as the sex vitamin due to its importance in reproductive function—it shows promise in helping impotence, improving fertility and easing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well.
In addition to taking antioxidants internally, these nutrients are increasingly found in products such as face creams and body lotions. Topical application reduces dermal oxidative damage, which leads to wrinkles and age spots. Vitamin E is particularly moisturizing, offering the skin a deep drink of health.
A complementary antioxidant is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance that is essential to fueling cellular mitochondria (the energy furnace of cells). Internally, CoQ10 plays a key role in immune function and helps fight allergic reactions, such as hives. In topical form, CoQ10 acts much like vitamin E. It is moisturizing and prevents oxidative damage, reducing signs of aging and enhancing the skin’s immune capacity.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
The low-fat revolution is giving way to awareness of the critical role fats play in health. However, it’s not just any fat that fills the bill. Two classes of essential fatty acids (EFAs)—omega-3 and omega-6—support cell integrity, immune function, heart health and much more. While most Americans consume high quantities of omega-6 EFAs (found in plant oils such as canola oil), the majority are deficient in omega-3 EFAs (found in fatty fish like salmon). Balancing the two EFAs brings the body to a state of increased wellness.
The best-known omega-6 EFA in the beauty field is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found abundantly in evening primrose oil (EPO) and black currant seed oil. Deficiencies in GLA have been linked to eczema and dermatitis, as well as increased incidence of PMS. GLA modulates immune function, decreasing inflammation.
Omega-3s can be found from plant sources, such as flax, but the most powerful source is fish oil. Containing the two longest-chain fatty acids, fish-sourced EFAs promote flexibility in cell membranes and modulate inflammatory responses. Soap star Susan Lucci swears by omega-3 fatty acids for youthful skin, and “Sex & the City’s” Kim Cattrall has spoken about the benefits of the Perricone Prescription, a diet rich in fatty fish and other foods that support cell regeneration and decrease inflammation.
