As a patient becomes aware of the signs of skin aging, they look for methods to correct the signs of aging. Patients often seek integrative treatments that benefit the whole skin, are less invasive and preserve health by restoring the characteristics of healthy, age-appropriate skin.
The aging process can be modulated through proper supplementation and a healthy diet to achieve a natural attractiveness.
According to specialists in aesthetic medicine, to maintain the structure and optimal functioning of the skin’s health, it is necessary to act on the factors that prematurely accelerate aging, such as lifestyle, diet or stress.
Nutraceuticals against aging
The basis of fruit and vegetable nutrition is linked to many benefits, such as the decline associated with aging and even cancer.
The photochemicals associated with fruit, plant and vegetable extracts have a potent anti-aging and anti-proliferative effect very useful in the treatment of skin health.
Properties of polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidant phytochemicals that are very beneficial in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress and aging.
Among the polyphenols, flavonoids stand out, which have anti-inflammatory, cellular and solar protective effects. Flavonoids can be found in vegetables such as artichoke or broccoli, fruits such as strawberries or pomegranate and beverages such as tea.
Polyphenols are beneficial for healing and protecting blood capillaries, improving circulation and protecting skin collagen from degradation. In addition, green tea polyphenols decrease hyperplastic response, epidermal edema, contact hypersensitivity.
Resveratrol found in red fruits, grapes and peanuts, is a strong antioxidant, which acts as a potent anti-free radical, also has anti-inflammatory effects and increases cellular longevity. Resveratrol has beneficial effects on cardiac activity, inhibiting the enzymes that degrade collagen (collagenases). Resveratrol also reduces skin wrinkles and oxidative stress in the skin and the body.
Orally, resveratrol reduces solar hyperpigmentation in women with melasma, reduces the damage of the solar effect of UV irradiation in patients with skin cancer and also the three metalloproteases that are produced by UV radiation and that are responsible for skin aging caused by the sun.
High doses of tea- and cocoa-derived flavonoids (epicatechins/catechins) have an endogenous photoprotective effect. In addition, they increase blood circulation, skin hydration and density.
The protective effect of phytoestrogens
Soy isoflavones, such as genistein, have an estrogenic effect and a photoprotective effect on damage caused by UVB radiation. They promote collagen synthesis, skin density, and enhance immunity. They also protect against enzymatic degradation of collagen.
Probiotics to improve skin elasticity
Probiotics improve the skin barrier by decreasing water loss and producing a cosmetic skin improvement. By improving the barrier-enhancing function, they also improve the immune system and antagonize the inflammatory alterations of atopic dermatitis.
Some of the foods containing probiotics are:
– Yogurt
– Dark chocolate
– Sauerkraut
– Miso soup
Proven: foods that delay aging
When it comes to preserving the skin aging process, there are correlations between healthy eating patterns and improved skin aging, protein glycation cascades and telomeric length.
There is a direct relationship between oral nutraceuticals and the ability of certain individuals to resist extrinsic aging factors and maintain a youthful appearance. In other cases, the deteriorated appearance of the skin is related to micronutrient deficiencies.
In general, vitamin C, E, fatty acids and phytonutrients, as well as a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-calorie diet, are the basis of the antioxidant strategy.
Supplementation with CoQ10 and Vitamin D are also very important for healthy aging, as well as phytoestrogens in menopausal women.
Systemic intake of antioxidants has been shown to improve skin quality and wrinkles, as well as to improve the deep layers of the skin both structurally and functionally. Antioxidants slow down the aging process and produce a decrease in the impact of external aging factors on our skin.