Beauty Inside and Out: Supporting Skin Health with Nutraceutical Supplements
A radiant appearance is only a reflection of optimal health and well being. This forms the underlying principle of current trends in the personal care industry. Cosmetic products no longer seek to cover up signs of aging. The root causes of skin, hair and nail damage are addressed externally by using cosmeceuticals and internally with nutraceutical supplements.
Vitamin and mineral deficiences, poor antioxidant status, impaired digestion and compromised immune functions are all reflected in a sallow complexion, lifeless hair and brittle or discolored nails. Oral intake of antioxidants such as carotenoids, selenium, proanthocyanidins (found in grape seed extract, apples and other plant sources) and vitamin E is reported to reduce the risk of DNA damages by ultraviolet radiation that lead to skin aging and skin cancers 1,2 . A recent study reports that curcumin, the antioxidant pigment from turmeric is useful in the oral treatment of melanoma 3. Orally administerd green tea polyphenols were found to offer protection against UVA induced action of enzymes that degrade connective tissues (matrix metalloproteinases, MMP) thereby inhibiting collagen and elastin degradation. 4,5
References:
1. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003 Aug;19(4):182-9.
2. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2002 Sep-Oct;15(5):307-15.
3. Cancer. 2005 Jul 11; [E-pub ahead of print]
4. Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Apr;23(2):157-62
5. Invest Dermatol. 2004 Jun;122(6):1480-7.
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Chemical Market Reporter. Cosmetics & Toiletries, HAPPI, Soap, Perfumery & Cosmetics, Natural Products Insider, Nutritional Outlook, Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals
