Functionalab – Beauty nutrition


Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Find out how to protect your skin against free radical attacks.

POSTED ON April 7th, 2010 under , , , ,

We already stated how antioxidants will help protect your skin against free radical attacks. Let’s get to our bunkers and bases to compose a plan of action against these fussy radicals.

Fact: Free radicals are highly reactive compounds produced during our normal metabolic process. They are a MAJOR cause of aging, and yes, they are our villain.

To ensure that you have an army of antioxidant warriors, you need to consume a variety of antioxidants in your foods as well as including supplements in your diet – especially when you may be experiencing an excessive load of free radicals, i.e. smoking, drinking, stress and pollution from living in a big city.

Let’s get skin deep and pin point some well-to-do facts:

-Beta Carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are essential antioxidants, offering protection to the skin against free radical attacks.

They help scavenge for free radicals, aiming to neutralize them before damage can be done to the skin. Acting as our allies, Vitamin C and E have also been shown to enhance the synthesis and protection of collagen.

-There are loads of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, and they all combat free radical attacks, and by doing our job as fruit and vegetable warriors, we can win this.

5-8 servings per day – it’s easy, it’s good, and it leads to healthy aging.

-Zinc has been shown to come to the rescue when skin has been damaged, for instance, if you are experiencing brown spots.

Look for a zinc oxide spf moisturizer while getting the right facial creams, especially as we are entering Summer.

All in all, our bodies have multilevel defense systems to fight free radicals. Enzymes rely on the activity of vitamins and minerals to activate them, warding off this fussy army. The key is maintenance: as long as we are aware that free radical attacks exist, we can maintain the goodness for our skin, being the healthiest skin warriors out there.

5 Supplements Against Oily Skin

Optimal nutrient intake supports optimal skin health; eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.

POSTED ON April 1st, 2010 under , , , , , , , ,

On our foreheads or t-zones, shine is not very appealing.

Carrying face dabbers and sponges in our make-up bags to blot away shine is a good place to start, but never forget balance is key when it comes to skin done right. Let’s explore some other tips to correct oily skin:

1) Zinc plays a part in many important body functions.

By bolstering the immune system, it assists in the development and activation of certain white blood cells. It prevents the body from getting infections. Think of Zinc as a “come to the rescue” mineral in proper skin care. Another benefit of Zinc in skin care is that it also acts as a natural insect repellent and a natural sunscreen (zinc oxide effectively blocks the sun’s ultraviolet rays).

2) Lactoferrin, a naturally occurring defense protein, can help fight microbial infection.

Lactoferrin includes Propionibacterium Acnes, a skin bacterium linked to the formation of acne. Lactoferrin also provides statistically significant support for lessening blemishes. Overall, it can help your skin reach an even tone, which qualifies for a less oily palette.

4) Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc are also thought to help reduce inflammation.

Taking a vitamin E liquid capsule, popping it, and applying the liquid straight to your skin 2-3 times per week is a quick and easy trick to reduce puffiness. Rinse and apply moisturizer, and you’re good to go.

5) Antioxidants, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene and the trace element Selenium are neutralizers.

By helping neutralize free radicals before they can damage the skin, these antioxidants also nourish the skin. Vitamins C and E have been shown to protect the skin against the damaging effects of sun exposure, which can lead to premature aging – and we never want that. As they enhance the synthesis and production of collagen, they help the skin maintain its elasticity.

In addition to these 5 tips, also keep this information locked in: Aloe Vera, a Polysaccharides plays an important role in immune defense and detoxification, important factors for healthy looking skin. Berberis Vulgaris, commonly known as Barberry, promotes healthy microbial balance and maintains healthy histamine release.

NUTRITIONAL ADVICE:

*Optimal nutrient intake supports optimal skin health; eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits. Get creative and visit local farmers markets to explore new and organic fruits and veggies you’ve never had before.

*Wheat germ, whole grains, and bean nuts are excellent sources of Vitamin B2, which in a case of slight deficiency is associated with oily skin.

*Drink plenty of water; support optimal transport of vitamins and minerals, keep the skin hydrated, and flush out toxins.  Avoid soft drinks as much as possible.

*Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. When needed, use ultra pure cold pressed olive oil.  Avoid fast food, especially fried food.

*A rich protein diet that is low in fat, sugar, and salt also helps in maintaining great skin health.

Doing research and experimenting what fits for your skin plays a key role in discovering the right vitamins, minerals, moisturizers, and diet that will help keep your skin healthy. Happy hunting!