Lisa Frank Makeup Is Coming and We're Freaking OutNo makeup, no cry Click here to join the discussion Decrease wrinkles, lift sagging skin and reduce aging with these natural-based ingredients. Updated Jul 23, 2014 There are some nutraceuticals, a combo of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals”, in today’s products that have been proven to actually improve the appearance of our skin from the outside. On your next trip to the health-food store or natural pharmacy, you might want to look for these anti-aging ingredients that get real results: 1. Alpha lipoic acid Lipoic acid is an antioxidant compound involved in healthy blood sugar balance and insulin action. This dual action provides highly protective, anti-aging benefits for our skin by reducing the risk of glycation — the abnormal attachment of sugar to our skin cells causing wrinkling and aging. Alpha lipoic acid is both water- and fat-soluble, making it protective for most tissues in the body.
One study reported a 50-percent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles with the topical use of a high-potency lipoic acid cream. Bottom line: I often recommend the Perricone MD line of skin products, which are rich in alpha lipoic acid. Read more: Dr. Perricone’s top 10 skin-saving tips for glowing skin A 2003 study from the University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University found that certain antioxidant compounds in white tea extract are effective in improving skin cell immunity and offering protection from the damaging effects of the sun. Evidently, a skin cream containing these extracts may offer potent anti-aging and anti-cancer benefits. Dr. Stephen Hsu from the Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology found the polyphenols in green tea help to eliminate free radicals, which can cause cancer by altering cell DNA. As our outer epidermal cells naturally slough off, skin cells from deep within the epidermis make their way to the surface about every four weeks.
By about day 20, cells are basically hanging out on the upper layer waiting to die. The most abundant polyphenol in green tea, EGCG (also used for its benefits in weight loss), however, appears to bring dying skin cells back to life when it’s applied to the surface of the skin. Bottom line: Look for John Masters Green Tea Facial Serum, it’s one of my favourites. DMAE boosts the production of acetylcholine, as well as a component of cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine. DMAE may be the first clinically proven agent to effectively combat facial sagging. Topical use of a product containing stabilized vitamin C can increase the production of collagen in the skin. It can also promote skin cell growth and aid in cell regeneration, which translates to younger-looking skin and improved firmness. The form of vitamin C used in your skin care products is important because it has the potential to become unstabilized, which leads to a potentially harmful source of free-radical stress.
Ascorbyl–palmitate, the fat soluble form of vitamin C, appears to be the most beneficial and stable type for use in skin care products. It should be present in significant concentrations to boost collagen production in the skin. Bottom line: John Masters and Skinceuticals both make a nice vitamin C serum. Choose a product that’s white, or colourless is even better. This way you can easily toss your topical vitamin C product if it turns yellow, orange or brown — a sign it’s become oxidized. While you’re looking for products that include these ingredients, you should also be shopping for those that are free of the following harmful ingredients: methyl parabens, propyl parabens, formaldehyde, imidazolidinyl urea, methylisothiazolinone, propylene glycol, paraffin, isopropyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulphate and other difficult-to-pronounce chemicals. I dare you to go into your bathroom and read all the labels. You’ll be shocked to find that almost everything should go directly into the recycle bin.
Parabens, in particular, have been identified as estrogenic substances that disrupt normal hormone function and may increase the risk of breast cancer. I recommend reaching for products made with pure oils, protective vitamins and natural scents. Here’s a handy chart on what to avoid in your cosmetics and personal care products: Body wash, shampoos, facial cleansers, toothpaste: Sodium lauryl sulphate, a harsh chemical cleanser Lipstick: Certain brands may contain lead, which can accumulate and cause lead toxicity Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, eye creams, deodorants, body and facial moisturizers: Parabens (methylparabens, proplyparabens, etc. may be linked to breast cancer) Nail Polish: Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen Toothpaste: Fluoride, which is potentially harmful to our thyroid function when present in excess And here are some of my favourite skincare brands, and where to find them. Available at health-food stores: Available at specialty locations or through doctors:
Natasha Turner, N.D. is a naturopathic doctor, Chatelaine magazine columnist, and author of the bestselling books The Hormone Diet and The Supercharged Hormone Diet. Her newest release, The Carb Sensitivity Program, is now available across Canada. She’s also the founder of the Toronto-based Clear Medicine Wellness Boutique and a regular guest on The Dr. Oz Show. For more wellness advice from Natasha Turner, click here. -Article originally published April 2011.We can't find that Page.Here's what's trending on Polyvore now.Top Sets Created by Our Members Dress Rachel for the Bachelorette! by lacas Blind Date by ellie366 BRIGHT, BOLD COLORS by erindreamIf you're confused by all the ads touting the latest-and-greatest innovation on the market, fear no more! We've sorted through the hottest anti-aging ingredients and broke-down the six most effective options to make them easier for you to understand. Best of all: once you've found your optimal ingredient, we've done the work of selecting products (in a range of prices!) to ensure you won't earn another worry line in the process of shopping your new skincare regimen.1Vitamin C2Vitamin C3Mushroom4Mushroom5Hyaluronic Acid6Hyaluronic Acid7Algae8Algae9RetinolRetinolPeptidesPeptidesTrending113 Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas for Your Easiest Morning Ever223 of the Best-Selling Drugstore Beauty Products of All Time3Julianne Hough: A Day in Her Life