have been shown to promote smoother, younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal and have excellent moisturising properties. Group of acids that appear naturally in fruit. Used in toners, creams, and masks to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Can be a skin irritant causing redness and rashes.
Antioxidants
Substances that slow the breakdown of nutrients and counteract the destructive effect of free radicals (chemically reactive compounds) in the skin and body. There are several types of Antixoxidants, inlcuding which Vitamins A, E, C complex, and B complex, the minerals selenium and zinc. Many natural butters and oils are high in Antixoxidants.
Collagen
The main structural component of the lower layer of the skin (Dermis) is a protein called collagen and is responsible for the skin's strength, plumpness and suppleness. Collagen molecules bundle together throughout the dermis. Collagen is produced by cells called fibroblasts (which also produce Elastin), which are found scattered around the Dermis.
70% of the body's connective tissue in the dermis is made of collagen. Gerontologists have discovered that is where the aging process of the skin takes place. As the skin ages, and is exposed to sunlight, chemicals (like makeup, pollution n the air and various foods), the soluble collagen becomes "cross-linked," so the molecules are no longer displaced in relation to each other. As this happens, the connective tissues becomes strained, dry, wrinkled, and worn.
Stimulating skin cells to produce collagen can partly reverse this process. Stimulating collagen synthesis in aged skin was shown to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen , it is also an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered to skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Co-enzyme Q10 has two important roles: it is an essential part of the cellular respiration system and it is an antioxidant. CoQ10 improves both the rate and efficiency of energy production in the cells, including the skin and at the same time protects mitochondria from free radicals. In most people over thirty, levels of CoQ10 in the skin is below optimum, resulting in a lesser ability to produce collagen, elastin and other important skin molecules. CoQ10-depleted skin may also be more prone to the damage by free radicals, which are particularly abundant with exposure of the skin to the elements. Thus, CoQ10 may boost skin repair and regeneration. Furthermore, CoQ10 is a small molecule that can relatively easily penetrate into skin cells.
Dermis
The second or middle layer of skin. contains the blood vessels, elastin and collagen, etc.
Elastin
This protein, found in the layers of skin and artery walls helps keeps the skin soft and supple. It is produced by the Fibrolast cells also responsible for the production of Collagen.
Emollients
Prevent water loss and have a softening and soothing effect on the skin. They can be natural, like almond oil, or manufactured, such as mineral oil.
Epidermis
The outer layer of the skin
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
These substances are not produced by the body and must be consumed in the diet. There are two families of EFAs: Alphalinolenic Acid - Omega-3 and Linoleic Acid -Omega-6.
The primary fatty acids fulfill many functions in our bodies. They lubricate and aid in the transportation of oxygen to the cells, help thicken the blood, manufacture and repair cell membranes enabling the cells to obtain nutrition and expel toxins. They help nourish the Skin deep within.
A deficiency in EFAs can lead to many skin and hair problems including scaling; decreased activity of the sebaceous glands; weakened capillaries near the surface of the skin; loss of water in the outer layers of the skin; thin discoloured hair; and prevalence of eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
EFAs also assist in the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Foetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake.
Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) is the principal Omega-3 fatty acid, which a healthy human will convert into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and later into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
EPA and the GLA synthesized from linoleic (Omega-6) acid are later converted into hormone-like compounds known as eicosanoids, which aid in many bodily functions including vital organ function and intracellular activity.
Found in: Flaxseed oil (flaxseed oil has the highest linolenic content of any food), flaxseeds, flaxseed meal, hempseed oil, hempseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, avocados, some dark leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, purslane, mustard greens, collards, etc.), canola oil (cold-pressed and unrefined), soybean oil, wheat germ oil, salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, albacore tuna, and others.
Linoleic Acid is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid. A healthy human with good nutrition will convert linoleic acid into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which will later be synthesized, with EPA from the Omega-3 group, into eicosanoids.
It is not converted to GLA because of metabolic problems caused by diets rich in sugar, alcohol, or trans fats from processed foods, as well as smoking, pollution, stress, ageing, viral infections, and other illnesses such as diabetes.
It is best to eliminate these factors when possible, but some prefer to supplement with GLA-rich foods such as borage oil, grapeseed oil, black currant seed oil, or evening primrose oil
Sources of linoleic acid include full-fat sunflower margarine or sunflower oil, safflower, sesame seed oils. corn oil, cotton seed oil, soya oil, walnut oil or wheatgerm oil walnuts, brazil nuts, sesame, sunflower ,pumpkin or poppy seeds peanuts, peanut butter or almonds
Free Radicals
Unstable or chemically incomplete molecules which can be formed within skin as a result of sun, pollution and stress. These molecules may "steal" particles from other molecules thus creating more unstable compounds and setting off a chain reaction that can damage cells. Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins C and E fight free radical action that can weaken epidermal support, resulting in wrinkling of skin, dryness, loss of skin elasticity and premature aging.
Sebum
This is the naturaly oil which is produced by the sebaceous glands in the Skin. Excess sebum is associated with oily skin and acne, whereas a lack of sebum leads to dryness, loss of suppleness to the skin and accelerated wrinkle formation.
Skin
The Skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaenous layer. Its main functions are to protect the body from external assaults, to regulate temperature, to prevent the loss of body fluids and to secrete toxins and waste products. It is a highly absorptive organ.
Vitamins
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)
Fat-soluble vitamin. Helps remedy rough, dry skin and has been used in the treatment of psoriasis. It has been used as a topical acne treatment. Some people are allergic to it. It has also been used to treat aging skin. It can be obtained from fish liver oil, liver, carrots, green and yellow vegetables, eggs, milk, and dairy products, margarine, and yellow fruits. It prevents vitamin C from being oxidized too quickly in the body. Normal dosages are harmless.
Vitamin B Complex
This includes Biotin, Cobalamine (B12), Folic Acid (B9), Inocitol, Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyrodoxine (B6), Riboflavin (B2) and Thiamin (B1). These vitamins promote healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and brain function. In skin disorders, they provide relief from various skin conditions including rashes and dry and itchy skin.
B-1 or Thiamin is needed to process carbohydrates to release energy. It also aids in the functioning of our nervous system, and helps maintain stomach acidity and a normal appetite.
B-2 (Riboflavin) is needed for converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy. It is also necessary for healthy skin and eyes.
B-3 (Niacin) is needed to release energy from food. It maintains the health of our skin, mouth and digestive tract. For normal mental functioning, niacin is necessary. It can increase blood circulation and help bring down high blood pressure.
B-5, or pantotheic acid, helps in the functioning of the adrenal gland and thus balances hormonal activity, which makes it beneficial in acne treatment. It also helps in the formation of antibodies.
B-6, Pyridoxine, is needed for the metabolism of protein, and helps maintain fluid balance, which is required for healthy red blood cells.
B-12 is also required for red blood cell production and Biotin is required for healthy skin and hair.
Folic acid (B-9) is important for growth and reproduction of cells, particularly red blood cells
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
It plays an important role in building collagen, the connective tissue that holds us together. It is also a poweful antioxidant and is said to help repair sun damage to the skin by reducing the amount of free radical formation.
Vitamin D
Fat-soluble vitamin essential for healthy bones, teeth, and the absorption of calcium. The body can produce its own vitamin D from sun exposure.
Vitamin E
One of the most compelling natural fat-soluble antioxidants in use, particularly when combined with vitamin C and vitamin A.
Vitamin H
Biotin is part of the B vitamin group. It is an important factor in the growth of tissue and the proper functioning of the oil glands. A biotin deficiency can lead to dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis and the formation of dandruff and crusts in the scalp. Biotin is vital for the maintenance of a normal fat metabolism, and is essential for hair growth and scalp health.
