Inner well-being comes first; then, one’s outward appearance. Inflammation and oxidative damage are two main factors that contribute to many chronic health issues. These factors can also have an impact on how the skin looks. A comprehensive approach is necessary to address skin health and lessen the effects.
A few minor lifestyle adjustments may be all that is required if you don’t feel or look your best or if you want to start taking better care of your skin. A great place to start is by ensuring your diet is full of foods high in phytonutrients. But adding supplements is another way to support these changes.
One is collagen.
The most prevalent protein in your body is collagen. It can be found in bones, joints, and even the skin. The skin contains at least sixteen types of collagen in the body, which helps keep the skin firm and plump. A natural decline in collagen production causes age-related changes in the skin’s texture, appearance, and elasticity.
Collagen supplements can improve wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration, benefiting skin health. ]According to one study, people who took a combination supplement of type II collagen, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid improved their skin’s elasticity, collagen content, and facial and eye wrinkles. Additionally, they observed a reduction in skin redness and dryness. Other collagen studies have revealed similar enhancements in the elasticity and appearance of eye wrinkles.
According to a different study, taking collagen peptide supplements increased the amount of collagen in the skin and made it feel hydrated. The results were still clear about twelve weeks after the study’s conclusion.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA).
You must obtain the essential fatty acids from your diet because your body cannot make them independently. They are necessary for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and serving several other important roles. According to research, some EFAs can cause decreases in the body’s inflammation, which can speed up the aging process of the skin.
An essential fatty acid (EFA) is omega-3. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and defense against oxidative stress, omega-3 supplementation has been studied for its potential ability to protect against UV radiation, sunburn, and photo-aging.
Other studies that have examined the impact of dietary sources of healthy fats like flaxseed and fish oil have found that they can improve the skin’s hydration, texture, and effectiveness of the skin barrier. 7 Supplementing with fish oil or linoleic acid (found in many vegetable oils) may also support the reduction of skin blemishes
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is frequently associated with immune function but is also essential for skin health. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that aids in the fight against free radical damage. Additionally, it functions as a cofactor in synthesizing specific amino acids necessary for synthesizing collagen. Additionally, it might encourage the expression of genes involved in collagen synthesis.
Together with other nutrients, vitamin C has beneficial effects. For instance, one study discovered that people who consumed a beverage containing vitamin C, additional antioxidants, and fish oil experienced improvements in the severity of their facial wrinkles and increased the number of new collagen fibers in their skin. Vitamin C is a crucial cofactor in collagen biosynthesis, a crucial step in delaying the signs of skin aging.
According to another study looking at the effects of dietary nutrients on the skin, women who consumed more foods high in vitamin C were less likely to have significant wrinkles or dry skin, which are factors in skin aging.
Hydrolyzed collagen
Hyaluronic Acid (HA), like Vitamin C, benefits the skin by lowering water retention and boosting healthy collagen production. Hyaluronic acid is frequently present in cosmetics like creams, but it can also be taken orally to help your skin look better.
Although hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in some foods, a supplement can deliver a stronger dose. More research is needed to understand its personal effects because it is frequently combined with other supplements.
In one study, oral HA combined with collagen and several other nutrients reduced signs of sun damage and increased hydration compared to women in the placebo group after six weeks. Similar studies have found that oral HA improved skin texture and moisture.
Probiotics.
Your overall health and the appearance of your skin depend on maintaining the health of your microbiome, which is the collection of healthy bacteria that lives inside and on your body.
Indeed, the type of healthy gut and skin health bacteria are closely related. In particular, gut bacteria and their metabolites can influence the immune system and inflammatory response to maintain skin health. According to some data, gastrointestinal conditions that can change the microbiome can also result in the emergence of skin changes. The presence or imbalance of specific types of bacteria is also linked to increased acne and blemishes on the skin.
As a result, maintaining gut health can help your skin look better, especially if you have inflammatory skin conditions. Including probiotic-rich foods in your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut, is a start, and supplemental probiotics may represent a higher therapeutic dose.
Green tea extract.
Consider drinking green tea in the morning if you enjoy hot drinks. A healthy and even complexion can be supported naturally with green tea. Due to its potent antioxidant activity, green tea can help lessen the harm caused by free radicals, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help your skin look smoother.
Green tea contains phytochemicals that support a healthy inflammatory response and shield skin cells from oxidative stressors. When taken orally, green tea extract supplements have been shown to improve skin health in several ways, including increased collagen, elasticity, and improved texture, as well as a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles when applied topically.
Research indicates that green tea polyphenols may promote autophagy, the body’s natural mechanism for removing faulty cell molecules typically linked to fasting. This supports the elimination of pro-oxidants that contribute to the appearance of older skin.
Aim for internally healthy skin.
Good habits are essential for having healthy skin, but taking Pure Encapsulations supplements can help even more. A targeted diet with the right supplements and essential nutrients can improve your health and look and feel.
While the natural aging process cannot be stopped, the impact of environmental exposures can be managed. If you need help figuring out where to start, seeking advice from your doctor can help you tailor a plan that works best for your skin type and needs.