10 Best Skin Care Nutrients for Healthy Aging
When it comes to healthy aging, protecting your skin both topically with sunscreen and internally with the proper nutrients can do wonders in supporting healthy-looking skin well into your mature years. Along with staying out of the sun and staying hydrated, here are 10 of the best skin care nutrients that promote healthy aging.
Collagen
Whether you choose powdered drink mixes, chews, tablets, or creams, skin care products made with collagen are some of the most sought-after when it comes to promoting healthy aging and beauty. Collagen, which is produced by the body naturally, makes up 70% of the protein in our skin, supporting its elasticity and structure, as well as a youthful glow. It’s also found in bones, muscles, and tendons. As you age, however, the body produces less collagen, so a supplement or topical product may be needed to maintain healthy-looking skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping to support a bright and even skin tone. It repairs damage from free radicals and can prevent them in accelerating the aging process. That’s why vitamin C is considered one of the top ingredients in an anti-aging skin care regimen. Dermatologists suggest it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Bone Broth Protein
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich blend of skin-loving ingredients that keep you looking vibrant, including essential vitamins and minerals that work in conjunction to support the structure and integrity of the skin. Bone broth also contains collagen and amino acids, so you get a two-in-one punch of nutrients to best support healthy aging of the skin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Found in fish and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids help protect the skin from free radical-induced inflammation and balance the body’s overall response to UV rays from the sun. The body does not produce omega-3s on its own, so a supplement or a diet high in healthy fish like salmon is important in maintaining healthy-looking skin, especially during the aging process.
Vitamin E
Whether used topically to help skin heal or taken internally as a supplement, vitamin E is another important antioxidant that protects skin from premature aging due to sun exposure. By supporting cell health and the body’s immune system, vitamin E provides beneficial anti-inflammatory properties crucial in the process of healthy aging.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Most over-the-counter anti-aging creams, lotions, and serums contain vitamin A in the form of retinol from beta-carotene, which is easily absorbed by the skin. Retinol stimulates the growth of new skin cells. Too little retinol and too much keratin can cause hyperkeratosis, pesky little red raised bumps all over the skin – also called chicken skin. The good news is that vitamin A (retinoids) can be found in many diet staples, such as eggs, fish, and dairy, so a deficit is rare. However, you can take a vitamin A supplement just in case.
CoQ10
As you age, your skin may start to sag and thin, causing wrinkles. This is caused by loss of collagen and elastin. To combat that symptom, CoQ10 helps maintain healthy-looking skin thanks to its antioxidant properties. Topical creams with CoQ10 and dietary supplements help neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging cellular DNA.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the body’s way of keeping skin hydrated and plump. The molecule naturally holds water, binding it to collagen, so that skin appears dewy and youthful. It is often found in skin care serums and moisturizers.
Resveratrol
A plant-based substance found most commonly in the skin of red grapes, resveratrol has natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help protect the skin against stress, infection, and UV radiation. That means it helps to minimize the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It can be ingested in red wine and used topically from special skin care products.
Biotin
An important B vitamin, biotin (vitamin B7) helps create amino acids that produce keratin, which is what your hair is mostly made of. It produces fatty acids that encourage the growth of new skin cells and normalize the function of oil glands for a clear complexion. Bonus – biotin strengthens and thickens nails and helps hair to grow longer!
You can find all of these nutrients in personal care products and dietary supplements from many trusted natural health brands, including: Derma E, Acure Organics, Alaffia, 100 Percent Pure, Weleda, Andalou Naturals, and MyChelle.
What anti-aging skin care products are in your beauty regimen?