Supplements and Skin Protection
Free radicals are damaging molecules that arise in the body from everyday activities such as exposure to air pollution and sunlight. Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin to age prematurely. It causes production of free radicals as well as localised inflammation, and this in turn switches on the body’s own enzymes that breakdown collagen and elastin. So in effect, sunlight causes the body itself to speed up the destruction of its collagen and elastin.
Many do not realise that specific nutrients can actually be used by the body to protect skin from sunlight damage. Flavonoids, found in fruits, berries and leafy greens, are taken up by the body and transported in the blood stream to the underlying layers of the skin where they bring an important level of protection against the sun damaging the matrix of protein fibres (elastin and collagen), and studies have shown their effect on skin elasticity and depth of wrinkles also. Some of the most active nutrients that are capable of doing this are called anthocyanadins and proanthocyanadins, and these can be found in many antioxidant formulas.
They are designed to help the body defend itself against free radicals, and many are suitable for vegetarians and as a general rule may safely be taken long-term. It is difficult to overdose on antioxidants as the body uses them constantly to protect and repair cells. However these should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or where there are serious health conditions, especially where prescription medications are taken, without first consulting a doctor.
Free radicals are damaging molecules that arise in the body from everyday activities such as exposure to air pollution and sunlight. Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin to age prematurely. It causes production of free radicals as well as localised inflammation, and this in turn switches on the body’s own enzymes that breakdown collagen and elastin. So in effect, sunlight causes the body itself to speed up the destruction of its collagen and elastin.
Many do not realise that specific nutrients can actually be used by the body to protect skin from sunlight damage. Flavonoids, found in fruits, berries and leafy greens, are taken up by the body and transported in the blood stream to the underlying layers of the skin where they bring an important level of protection against the sun damaging the matrix of protein fibres (elastin and collagen), and studies have shown their effect on skin elasticity and depth of wrinkles also. Some of the most active nutrients that are capable of doing this are called anthocyanadins and proanthocyanadins, and these can be found in many antioxidant formulas.
They are designed to help the body defend itself against free radicals, and many are suitable for vegetarians and as a general rule may safely be taken long-term. It is difficult to overdose on antioxidants as the body uses them constantly to protect and repair cells. However these should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or where there are serious health conditions, especially where prescription medications are taken, without first consulting a doctor.