These days, a lot of people are talking about “antioxidants” and for good reasons.
The body’s outer shell, which includes the skin, hair, and nails, is constantly exposed to environmental stress, like chemicals and sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun induces chemical reactions in the skin that generate reactive oxygen species, or free radicals, that can damage and cause premature aging; the degradation of collagen fibers and formation of wrinkles and sunburn. Several studies have demonstrated increased resistance to UV damage, measured as a resistance to sunburn, in subjects consuming supplemental Carotenoids like Beta-Carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are pigments from plants – mostly reds and oranges- that act as very potent antioxidants. You may have heard of Lutein for eye health, but it is also one of the most prominent Carotenoids for the skin. The body deposits large amounts of Lutein in the retina of the eye and in the skin, two areas where protection from the harmful effects of UV light are essential. Importantly, one of the ways we know that antioxidants like Carotenoids are required for protection from light-induced oxidative stress, is that UV exposure reduces the levels of these important nutrients; the body stores these nutrients, but they must be constantly replenished.
The most protective nutrients come from plant-based foods and are referred to as Phytonutrients.
In addition to Carotenoids, other important Phytonutrients related to skin health include the Polyphenols. There are many different classes of Polyphenols and they have a wide range of health benefits in addition to being potent antioxidants. Some examples are Resveratrol, a Polyphenol present in red wine and green tea. Polyphenols are often discussed as “anti-aging nutrients” because they protect against the life long effects of oxidative stress, our key driver in the aging process. There are many other examples of Polyphenols and Phytonutrients, and we start the beginning stages of realizing the full extent of their health-beauty benefits.
Oral dietary supplements and topical creams will have different effects.
Topical creams often contain nutrients like antioxidants that provide certain benefits, but as we’ve discussed, nutrition is fundamental to all processes of the body. Addressing the body’s nutrient needs with a good diet and dietary supplements will have a broader, more far-reaching effect than topical beauty creams. For example, a dietary antioxidant may support many systems including the skin, but also covers the bases for cardiovascular health, cognition, vision, and so on. Also, specific nutrients can support strong and healthy hair and nails during the growth phase as new cells are being generated. In terms of protecting from UV damage, studies of dietary antioxidants have been more long-term, meaning supplementation was required every day for an extended period of time. In preparing for an acute exposure, a topical cream will provide some instant, short-term protection.
