Skin Anti-Aging – Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out

Many bathroom shelves and closets are stocked with expensive anti-aging creams and lotions marketed for their rejuvenating properties. Are they simply selling ‘hope in a jar’ as critics have charged? The evidence, common sense, and our human biology make a strong case supporting such an assertion.

Aging of the human organism, including the largest organ, the skin, at its most simplified level, results from the interplay between anabolic and catabolic interactions, known as cellular metabolism.  The anabolic process (anabolism) builds and replaces tissue and collagen resulting from molecular degeneration triggered by catabolic effects (catabolism).  Ultimately, as has been the case throughout time immemorial, catabolism triumphs as the body wears down.

The somewhat recent news about major league baseball players enhancing their muscle mass, strength and performance by using steroid supplements provides a real-time perspective which demonstrates the effects of anabolism.  Athletes either ingest or inject combinations of natural or synthetic anabolic steroids in the form of hormones, in an attempt to inhibit molecular degeneration and encourage new cell growth, particularly muscle tissue.  Endocrinologists refer to growth hormone, IGF1 (insulin like growth factors), insulin, testosterone, and Estradiol as “classic” anabolic hormones.

The Catabolic Culprit
Catabolism is not the only culprit in the aging process, but it is a major factor. The catabolic reaction is necessary to balance metabolism by releasing energy; however, in the process, the by-products of this process produce free radicals.  These, in turn, break down molecular, and therefore cellular, growth which affects all the organs – including skin.  Ironically, catabolic reactions provide the energy required for anabolism.   Endocrinologists have deemed naturally-produced cortisol, glucagon, and adrenaline as the classic catabolic hormones.

This constant battle for hormonal balance rages throughout our lives and takes its toll on all organs.  But nowhere is it more apparent than within our  largest organ, which is, of course, our skin.

The Wonder of Our Largest Organ
One cannot discuss skin without recognizing how unique it is.  It regulates body temperature and holds and protects other vital organs.  Pain sensors within skin alert us to imminent injury or death.  Nerve sensors allow us to identify external stimuli and derive pleasure from touch.  Perhaps, though, the most astonishing trait of skin is its flexibility.  It readily responds to events such as weight loss or gain, injury, and surgery by expanding, contracting and healing itself.

Over time, however, the building blocks of skin cells break down, creating the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging.  But unlike your other organs, skin is also subjected to external threats that work in conjunction with the metabolic process to cause or accelerate the aging process.  Sun, cold, wind, chemicals, and pollution all contribute to aging skin.  Psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress manifest in external ways that exacerbate the aging process.  Of course, we cannot forget that habits such as smoking or drinking accelerate skin aging.

Skin Anti-Aging from the Inside Out
So how does one combat the effects that natural aging processes have on the skin?  Most people turn to creams and procedures to fight wrinkles and achieve younger-looking skin.  The truth is that, while topical, surgical and chemical remedies may offer temporary and superficial relief from the visible signs of aging, they cannot address the root causes of skin aging.  Only prescription-grade retinol-A has demonstrated the ability to penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and affect the metabolic process.

Retin-A is a compound containing retinoic acid and the active ingredient tretinoin.  It was discovered about 30 years ago and marketed as an acne treatment.  It is now better known for its anti-aging qualities.  It is found in both prescription and non-prescription strength, is applied topically, and works by thinning the top layer of skin while building up the lower layers.

With this notable exception, however, the use of creams and chemicals for skin anti-aging is not effective.  In contrast, nourishing skin from the inside out, through optimal nutrition and supplementation, addresses the actual causes of skin aging.  A diet consisting of foods and micronutrients that inhibit catabolic molecular degeneration offers a long-term and lasting solution to the problem of aging skin.

The most effective anti-catabolic nutrients are called oligomeric proanthrocyanidins, or OPCs. OPCs inhibit collagenase and elastase; two catabolic enzymes that degrade collagen. Some excellent sources of OPCs that support anabolic processes by countering catabolism include:

•         Shark cartilage
•         Grape seed extract
•         Hawthorn
•         Boswellia serrata, a botanical from India that blocks the synthesis of inflammatory agents
•         The fatty acids EPA/DHA
•         Wheat sprouts
•         Glucosamine sulfate

All of these micronutrients are available at health food stores, nutrition centers and through online suppliers.  Together, they assist in supporting the anabolic processes that create healthy connective tissue. This inhibits the breakdown of skin cells to keep skin looking younger longer.

Better Nutrition, Younger Skin
A 2005 Swiss study confirmed the efficacy of micronutrients in mitigating collagen degradation and the formation of wrinkles.  In a double-blind study involving women with an average age of 44 years, supplementation with bio-active phytonutrients, marine proteins, lipids and antioxidants resulted in visible improvements to skin appearance over a three-month period.

Lines, wrinkles and dark spots were reduced during the time that these micronutrients were administered and skin thickness increased by up to 78%.  The conclusion drawn was that these nutrients protect the skin and support its repair processes without side effects, for as long as they are taken.
When it comes to skin anti-aging, there is no shortage of products and procedures that claim to provide long-lasting results.  Ultimately, however, the only way to keep skin looking and feeling younger is to eliminate unhealthy lifestyle choices, minimize the effects of stress and anxiety, embrace healthy eating habits, and nourish the skin from within.  High quality micronutrients provide the skin with the protective compounds it needs to build collagen, repair free radical damage and fight cellular degeneration.  Everything else is a temporary reprieve for your largest and most unique organ.

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