Nutrients for the skin

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AS we grow older, the skin tends to lose its elasticity, becomes dry and fine lines and age spots are inevitable. New skin cells are constantly forming to replace the old and damaged ones. This renewal process continues throughout life, but the ability of the skin to retain moisture and elasticity diminishes with age. Not only that, production of sebum that inhibits evaporation also diminishes as skin ages.
Age spots are little brown spots that often appear on the back of the hands. They are also known as liver spots, which are superficial collections of skin pigment called melanin that have accumulated within the top layer of the skin. They do not indicate disease but can be unsightly for many. Most people develop them as they get older. Many complementary health practitioners believe that age spots are signs that cells are full of accumulated waste.
Other factors that promote unhealthy skin include poor diet and nutrition, exposure to harsh soaps, exposure to the sun, dry, windy climate, excessive alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Hormonal changes, especially the drop in oestrogen that follow menopause, can also cause skin dryness.
Skin cells have special agents for combating free radicals and repairing skin damage. These free-radical fighters are called antioxidants. Recent research suggests that antioxidants may play an important role in preventing or delaying the onset of degenerative diseases, thereby slowing the effects of ageing.
Beta-carotene is a great asset to the skin. Vitamin C is essential in the making of collagen and connective tissues to firm the skin. Vitamin E has been shown to slow down the ageing of the tissues.
On the other hand, the mineral zinc is important for the normal function of the sebaceous glands to ensure smoothness of the skin and promote scar-healing.
All these vitamins and minerals can be found in a variety of foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole-grains, seeds and nuts and lean meat. Alternatively, an anti-free radical formula with a combination of beta-carotene, vitamin C, E and minerals such as zinc and organic selenium may be beneficial.
Optimal function of the liver may reduce toxin accumulation in the body, which in excess, lead to skin problems such as blemishes, skin allergies and other skin problems such as psoriasis. A main focus of naturopathic detoxification routines is improving liver function with targeted food and herbal medicines. Herbalists hold milk thistle and dandelion in high regard. Human and animal studies show that dandelion increases bile flow, improving liver congestion, bile duct inflammation and gallstones.
Silymarin is a potent antioxidant found in milk thistle. It helps regenerate new liver cells and aids the detoxification process.
Another nutrient of value is the essential fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid. This essential fatty acid, which provides the active gamma linolenic acid (GLA), can be found from food sources such as plant oils (flaxseed and evening primrose oil). Essential fatty acids are needed for the formation of the lipid layer of the skin and to ensure that the integrity of cell membranes remains intact. Daily supplementation helps improve smoothness and softness of the skin.

References:1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. MT Murray, Prima Publishing. 1996.2. Krause’s Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy 10th Ed., LK Mahan & S. Escott-Stump, WB Saunders Company. 20003. Get Well: An A-Z of Natural Medicine for Everyday Illness. Russell Setright. Atrand Pty Ltd. 19934. Evening Primrose Oil: How it’s Amazing Nutrients Promote Health Relief from Problems Including Acne, Arthritis and Heart Disease. Richard A. Passwater. Keats Publishing Inc. 1981.

This article is courtesy of Biolife. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.