Society places a high value on youthful appearance, especially in women. As we age, we may notice the signs in our skin, such as wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. At times, skin aging comes with psychological effects such as diminished quality of relationships, lower self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. But what if you could slow the aging process with a supplement? With a few key ingredients, you can support healthy skin from the inside to achieve a firmer, younger look. [This article, “5 Top Supplement Ingredients To Keep Your Skin Looking Young” was originally published in NewsHealthWatch]
Collagen: The basic building block of healthy skin
Collagen is a protein abundant in the body that strengthens our connective tissues and gives our skin its elasticity. It has a fiber-like structure, and it keeps tissues resilient. We begin to lose our natural collagen as part of the aging process, and it is estimated that we lose about 1% of this essential protein per year starting at age 21.
This process only accelerates with aging, as postmenopausal women may lose about 30% of their collagen in the first five years. When our collagen is depleted, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and thickness, which contributes to the development of fine lines and may cause the skin to sag. If you want to keep your skin looking young as the number of candles on your birthday cake increases, then maintaining your collagen levels is key.
Free radicals can age your skin
If you have been concerned about aging, you have almost certainly heard about free radicals. These molecules are produced naturally in your body during cell metabolism. They may also come from external sources such as pollution, medication, cigarette smoke, certain unhealthy foods (smoked meat, reused oil), or radiation. At the molecular level, free radicals have unpaired electrons in their shells that react with fats, proteins, and even DNA, damaging tissues and aging the body.
Oxidative stress occurs when the body accumulates an overload of free radicals. It has been linked to a range of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. Luckily, antioxidants can protect against free radical damage and slow down the aging process in your skin. The best sources of antioxidants are plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, but you can also consume them as supplements to keep your skin looking young.
The sun’s rays can harm your skin
While you need small doses of sunlight to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, too much sun exposure can be very damaging to your skin. Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known factor in the development of skin disorders like premature aging and cancer. UV light can directly cause DNA damage and trigger oxidative stress.
The oxidative stress caused by UV radiation can damage skin at the cellular and molecular level, resulting in inflammation, damage to lipids and proteins, alteration of enzyme function, and DNA damage. The sun can damage your skin through multiple pathways, and it is one of the biggest factors in premature aging.
The three types of UV radiation are UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC radiation is almost fully absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer and does not reach the surface. UVA radiation is the largest spectrum at about 95%, and it promotes the production of free radicals that accelerate the aging process. UVB radiation is also hazardous in large doses, as it can suppress the immune system, cause inflammation and oxidative stress, and even initiate tumors. To keep your skin looking young, you should avoid sun exposure and always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Japanese knotweed contains resveratrol for better skin
Also known as Fallopia japonica, Japanese knotweed is part of the buckwheat family and grows naturally in East Asia. With hollow bamboo-like stalks and large leaves, this plant can grow up to ten feet and is considered an invasive species in some countries. It is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and essential vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C, and has been used in traditional medicines for centuries.
Japanese knotweed is also a potent source of resveratrol, a polyphenol made inside plants to protect against drought or disease. Polyphenols act like antioxidants, fighting free radicals that can damage skin. Resveratrol is also thought to stimulate collagen production and act as an anti-inflammatory. When old, dead cells build up in your skin, your complexion can start to look dull. This potent youth-promoting ingredient prolongs the lifespan of new cells during cell turnover, helping your body to maintain healthy tissue. Resveratrol can keep your skin looking younger at the molecular and the cellular level.
The benefit of taking antioxidants as a supplement rather than applying them topically is that they penetrate all parts of the skin: the dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous fat. As resveratrol has a relatively low bioavailability, it is important to take supplements containing an adequate dose.
MyPEAK, a Florida-based supplement brand with a holistic approach based on sound science, offers a supplement called Radiance. Each Radiance gummy serving contains 250 mg Japanese knotweed standardized at 50% resveratrol. Founders Bhargav Patel (CEO) a physician and Urja Shah (COO) a master of biomedical sciences, created these formulations with wholesome wellbeing and also youthful skin in mind.
Grape seed extract supports healthy skin with procyanidins
Grapes are one of the world’s most common fruit crops, and approximately 50% of grapes are produced to make wine. They are a rich source of manganese, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, thiamine, and polyphenols. Understood by the Greek philosophers to have healing potential, grapes and their products have been used to treat sore throats, constipation, and eye and skin diseases. Some supplement makers have harnessed the healing power of grapes with grape seed extract (GSE), which is made by grinding up the seeds of red wine grapes.
Grape seeds contain potent antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, thought to be more potent than vitamin C or vitamin E. Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) may have a protective effect against some skin cancers, as they reduce oxidative stress and stimulate the immune system. One study showed that mice given GSP supplements exhibited a decrease in UVB-induced tumor development. Moreover, potent flavonoids in GSE can help boost collagen production to keep skin looking young, and even strengthen bones. GSE has few side effects, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and itchy scalp.
Some people have achieved younger-looking skin by applying grape seed oil as a topical treatment. With anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, grape seed oil also has high concentrations of vitamin E and omega chain fatty acids. Applying grape seed oil directly to the skin can even help protect you from harmful UV rays.
Amla is a potent source of vitamin C, one of the most important vitamins for your skin and complexion
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, has been used in traditional medicines for over 1,000 years. It is a yellow-green fruit that grows on a small tree cultivated in India and its surrounding countries. With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, amla is also rich in vitamin C, the key ingredient that keeps your skin looking young. Amla supplements rich in vitamin C also contain flavonoids that help with the absorption and utilization of this vitamin in the body.
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin critical for synthesizing collagen, carnitine, and neurotransmitters. Vitamin C may also work synergistically with vitamin E to destroy free radicals. As it can boost your collagen stores and help fight the effects of oxidative stress, consuming amla regularly can help keep your skin looking young. In addition, an amla supplement may slow the effects of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Bamboo Leaf contains skin-strengthening silica
Silica is an essential mineral found in foods like green beans, bananas, brown rice, and cereal. It keeps your skin looking young by several different mechanisms. Silica strengthens blood vessels, promoting blood circulation to the skin. It also promotes the activity of hydroxylation enzymes which produce collagen. We know that healthy collagen levels keep your skin looking young, firm and tight. Silica may also aid in the production of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which help prevent moisture loss through the barrier, keeping your skin young, glowing, and healthy.
Your collagen and silica stores begin to decline past your 20s, which reduces your skin’s elasticity and ability to heal wounds. Among plants, bamboo is one of the richest sources of silica in the world. It grows naturally in Africa, Asia and the Americas, and it is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, sprouting as much as 60 cm in a single day. As it can enhance your skin’s elasticity, bamboo silica may even reverse some signs of aging caused by sun exposure.
Factors that influence how rapidly you lose silica as you age include gut health, diet, stress, sleep, sun exposure, and inflammation levels. Taking supplements is one of the best ways to help your body retain its silica stores for younger-looking skin.
Biotin nourishes skin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is in the family of B vitamins. Made by gut bacteria, biotin’s main role is to convert carbohydrates and proteins to energy. Biotin also supports the enzymes that metabolize glucose, fatty acids, and the amino acids that build proteins. In addition, it helps to build keratin, an essential protein for skin, hair, and nails.
This nutrient can also support dry skin to keep your skin looking younger by producing fatty acids and helping oil glands function optimally. However, since the body cannot manufacture biotin, it must be consumed through food and supplements. Natural sources of biotin include liver, egg yolks, nuts, seeds, sprouts, salmon, and legumes. Since biotin is water soluble, it is considered safe in high doses, as excess is flushed out through urine. A biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, brittle nails, and skin issues.
Putting it all together for younger looking skin
Avoiding the harmful rays of the sun and eating a healthy diet rich in skin-nourishing ingredients are essential for maintaining younger-looking skin. We know you can keep your skin looking young by maintaining your collagen stores and fighting free radicals as you age, and healthy supplements can help. For example, MyPEAK Radiance supplement combines Japanese knotweed, bamboo leaf, grape seed, amla fruit, and biotin for a synergistic effect to nourish your skin from the inside out.
This science-based supplement brand offers solutions for the mind and body, and their beauty-focused Radiance supplement is a top pick in the nutricosmetic category. These five standout ingredients will keep your skin glowing and smooth. Maintaining younger-looking skin is a sure way to age with confidence, and self-care with a little help from supplements is an easy way to get there.
Further Reading
Further reading to keep your skin looking young
Woman’s Day: The 14 Best Anti-Aging Supplements to Support Healthy Skin
Insider: 7 of the best anti-aging supplements and vitamins to stay healthy and youthful
Prevention: 5 Anti-Aging Supplements That Work
Disclaimer
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
