 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Wrinkles and CuresWrinkles, Free Radicals, and AntioxidantsA comprehensive discussion of aging skin must include the free-radical theory of aging, a very important component of an increasingly complicated picture. We have all come to fear the assault of the dreaded free radical- those unstable oxygen molecules that are always in attack mode. To make a long biochemical story short, the theory goes that chronic inflammation caused by free radicals accelerates aging. The process by which they create wrinkles is complex, but an abbreviated version goes like this: free radicals are released by ultra-violet (UV) exposure (for instance) and after a hop, skip, and a jump around various, rather involved biochemical processes they activate production of collagen-digesting enzymes called metalloproteinases. While the function of these metalloproteinases is to remodel sun-injured tissue by manufacturing and reforming collagen, some of these enzymes actually degrade collagen, resulting in an uneven formation of disorganized collagen fibers called solar scars. Repetition of this imperfect building process causes wrinkles. The oxygen free radical also accounts for diminished amounts of hyaluronic acid in connective tissue throughout the body. The reason there is so much excitement over antioxidants these days is that they quench free radicals and thus help prevent oxidative damage. Dietary TreatmentRemember, there is an important connection between inadequate nutrition and wrinkle formation. Vitamin C is absolutely essential, not just as an antioxidant, but also because it is absolutely crucial to one stage of the collagen biosynthesis process. Without vitamin C you do not make new collagen. The glyconutritonals that inhibit glycation (which leads to cross-linking and brittle collagen fibers) are also important to add to your diet; the best sources are homegrown fruits and vegetables that you pick and eat right away. Some topical products for your skin may have glyconutritionals also. Topical TreatmentsFeeding your face from the outside will nourish and hydrate your skin and help to soften wrinkles. Here are a few things you can do. Note: if you have a garden, use your imagination-almost anything you can eat raw, or prepare by cooking, can go on your face. Cleansing and masks for exfoliation: Exfoliation treatments have achieved great popularity because they act like a quick fix-removing the top layer of the epidermis does give a temporary rosy blush to the skin. However, in the interest of preserving the skin over the long haul, I would suggest exfoliating gently with natural food products, or use the most gentle exfoliater you can get and don't use more often the once a ten days. Alpha-hydroxy (AHAs) and enzymes: There are two AHAs that are safe to use when you get them from food:citric acid and lactic acid. Buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream contain lactic acid, which helps the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. You can cleanse with them, or apply them as a mask, leaving them on for twenty to thirty minutes. The citric acid in lemon juice makes a great mask as well. I suggest applying a thin layer of olive oil over the skin, then rubbing the juice from a quarter of a fresh lemon over the olive oil. Leave on for thirty seconds or so, then rinse. Papaya makes a great enzyme mask, but don't leave it on longer than ten minutes. Remember to wear your sunscreen after any kind of exfoliation treatment, as you will have compromised the stratum corneum, your enviromental protective barrier. External nourishment is more important then exfoliation, which is overrated as a wrinkle fighter. If you feel the need to use AHAs other then lactic, it's a good idea to vary AHA treatments without nourishing masks (made with honey, oatmeal, or avocado to name just a few) to avoid thinning the skin. Hydrating, nourishing masks: Make carrot juice, drink it, and use the pulp for a mask. Leave on thirty to forty minutes. You can add honey, yogurt, or seaweed. Seaweed is an excellent moisturizer that increases circulation, helps eliminate toxins, and delivers nutrients and minerals to the cells. Vitamin C: It can be applied topically, but be careful how you do it. Most vitamin C in creams and lotions have already oxidized (that's why vitamin C is a good antioxidant), and the lotion may actually release free radicals on the skin when applied. Best to get stable, phyto-based sources of vitamin C in the citrus pulp and berries will build collagen and help in cellular repair, while the bioflavonoids will help strenghthen capillaries. Sun protection: UV protection is a full-time affair, since the wrinkling UVA rays are present from dawn to dusk, rain or shine. Use a mineral sunscreen. Wear a hat. Try to avoid exposure from 10A.M. to 2P.M., the burning time. Remember that UVA ray reflect from shiny surfaces, so you exposure is greatly increased in traffic, at the beach, or in the ski slopes. Hyaluronic acid: After age thirty, we lose approximately 1 percent hyaluronic acid per year. You can take hyaluronic acid supplements, but it will go to joints and not to your skin. Applied topically? The hyaluronic acid molecule is very large and probably does not absorb well. Because it is a disaccharide composed to glucuronic acid and glucosamine, adding the glyconutritionals to your diet will help your body produce more hyaluronic acid. SleepThe most important hours for sleep occur between 10P.M. and 3A.M.. This is when melatonin, the great antioxidant makes its rounds throughout the body, scooping up free radicals and repairing damage. No sleep, no skin repair, and we all know what that looks like. WaterThe controversy rages around water-especially how much to drink. Rather then engage in that debate I prefer to add my own two cents' worth. Remember hyaluronic acid, that wonderful substance that gives our skin tissue that childlike, plump look? Because of its disaccharide components, hyaluronic acid is extremely hydrophilic- it has a great ability to bind water. When we drink water we want to be able to do the same thing-that is, bind water to systems, so it can truly hydrate our tissues. My suggestion is to add to one glass of your water (perhaps the first glass of the morning) a bit of aloe vera juice. Aloe vera is high in mucopolysaccharides that will help you bind water to your system. Also remember that we get a lot of water from the food we eat, especially fruit. As far as I'm concerned, a slice of watermelon ought to count as one glass of water -it is 98% water and 2%sugar content helps bind all that you are actually utilizing it instead of excreting it (along with all the vitamins and minerals you've been taking such pains to ingest). SuperNatural Solutions To Adult Acne & Aging. |
 |
Cures4beauty.com Copyright © 2008
Acne links:Alternative Acne Cures, Mythical causes of Acne, Traditional Treatments of Acne, Adult Acne, Hormones & Acne,
Shop for Acne Treatments,
Aging and Wrinkles:Changes As We Age, Wrinkles & Cures, Beauty Remedies, Shop for Wrinkle Solutions
Nails: Naill anatomy; Naills- are our identity; Weak nails, Ridges, Split nails, White spots on nails