Summer time is here! The time of year we head to the beach, plant our vegetable gardens and engage in a multitude of outdoor activities. But it's also the time, when too much "fun in the sun" can negatively impact the health of our skin. The good news is paying a little extra attention to what you eat and drink this summer can help support the health of your skin from the inside out. Skin Functions As the largest organ in the body, our skin acts as a barrier between our internal and external environments: protecting the body from physical injury, toxic substances, invasion by unfriendly bacteria and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The skin also plays an important role in regulating body homeostasis by keeping water loss to a minimum, regulating body temperature and serving as an essential part of the immune system. Proper skin functioning is dependent upon good nutrition. New insights and scientific findings reveal a strong relationship between eating certain foods and the appearance of skin and the effects of specific nutrients for protecting the skin from photo aging, inflammation, reduced immune function and skin disorders. Vitamin C and the Collagen Connection Most people concerned about maintaining youthful skin and slowing down the appearance of wrinkles have heard of collagen, a protein that serves as a key structural component of connective tissue including the skin, bones and ligaments. The dermis, the inner layer of the skin, contains large amounts of collagen whose fibers form a supporting network responsible for the strength, texture and elasticity of skin. However, over time collagen slowly breaks down. Fibroblast skin cells are capable of producing collagen and when needed, replace broken collagen fibers with new ones. Unfortunately, as we age, the skin's ability to replace damaged collagen diminishes and more gaps and defects develop eventually leading to the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C however is essential for collagen synthesis and its potent antioxidant activity also helps reduce skin damage caused by free radicals generated during normal metabolism as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants (e.g. smoking). Adequate intakes of vitamin C may also aid in the appearance of skin. Based on data recently published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutritionand collected for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), women who consumed higher dietary intakes of vitamin C were less likely to have a wrinkled appearance. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, orange juice, potatoes, strawberries and sweet red bell peppers. Carotenoids for UV Protection and Skin Hydration Carotenoids, the naturally occurring red and yellow pigments of plants including beta-carotene, alphacarotene, lutein, xeaxanthin and lycopene are efficient at protecting against UV radiation of the sun by scavenging free radicals. In a study published in theJournal of Nutritionin 2003, researchers examined the UV protective effects of a beta-carotene supplement, a mixed carotenoid supplement or a placebo in groups of healthy adults. Results of the study found both beta-carotene alone and the mixed carotenoid supplement significantly decreased UV light induced redness of the skin after 12 weeks compared to the placebo. Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables can provide significant amounts of carotenoids. Deep orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, squash, mangos and apricots are excellent sources of betacarotene. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach provide a high amount of lutein, and lycopene is found in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Lutein, a carotenoid known more for its role in promoting eye health, also appears to provide skin health benefits above and beyond UV protection. In one study, researchers compared the effects of an oral lutein supplement, a combination of the supplement plus topical application of lutein or a placebo on skin health parameters including skin hydration, elasticity, and lipid oxidation. Although the combination of oral and topical application performed the best, oral lutein supplements alone improved skin hydration by 38%, skin elasticity by 8% and reduced lipid oxidation by 55% when compared to a placebo after 12 weeks. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Polyunsaturated Fats Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) play a structural role in the body insofar as they are necessary for the fluidity, flexibility and functionality of cell membranes and for their role in the synthesis of intracellular lipids in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. In addition, they play a regulatory role as precursors of eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes), hormone-like substances that influence both the immune system and inflammatory reactions in the body. Two families of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids exist and must be obtained from the diet: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Whereas fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, plant oils are the main sources of omega-6 fatty acids. Supplementation with certain plant and fish oils has been hypothesized to prevent inflammation because of their ability to shift the eicosanoid balance to one towards an antiinflammatory direction. The possibility of exerting a therapeutic effect in inflammatory skin disorders by altering dietary intake of PUFA's has been of increasing interest among researchers. In fact, several studies have been conducted examining the effect of fish oil supplements on inflammatory skin disorders. One such study examined the health benefits of fish oil in subjects with psoriasis. Daily intake of fish oil supplements for a period of 8 weeks resulted in mild to moderate improvement in skin lesions in most subjects. In another study, EPA supplements were given to a group of subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. After 12 weeks, serum EPA concentrations increased and there was an overall reduction in itching and scaliness compared to those subjects given a placebo. Certain plant oils have also been studied for their role in skin health disorders, in particular the plant oils from borage seed and evening primrose. These plant oils are rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Although GLA can be made in the body from the polyunsaturated fat linoleic acid, the production of the enzyme required for this conversion can be compromised by age, stress, high saturated fat and trans fat diets, chronic diseases like diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol intake. In fact, skin cells lack the enzyme needed and must rely on the liver to make and transport GLA to skin tissue. Although GLA is considered to be an omega-6 fatty acid, it functions in the body similar to that of fish oil in that it inhibits inflammation. Studies suggest that GLA supplementation may be helpful in inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Research also indicates that GLA may help the skin maintain moisture and skin barrier function in healthy adults. In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a group of healthy adults consumed GLA supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the GLA group experienced significant improvements in skin moisture content, elasticity, firmness and roughness compared to those taking a placebo. Final Summertime Skin Health Tips So as you prepare for all your summertime "fun in the sun", take extra precautions to keep your skin feeling and looking healthy from the inside out by remembering to: Eat an overall healthy well balanced diet– one that emphasizes whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat or non-fat dairy, lean meat, fish, chicken and tofu as well as heart healthy fats from nuts, seeds and plant oils. Place special attention on getting adequate amounts of vitamin C, carotenoids, and essential fatty acidsby eating foods rich in these nutrients and filling in dietary shortfalls with high quality antioxidant, carotenoid and essential fatty acid supplements. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Adequate water intake is essential to overall health. Water helps carry nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of your body including your skin cells. It also helps regulate body temperature and helps transports toxins and wastes out of the body. Although needs vary from person to person, a good rule of thumb is eight, 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Lather on the sunscreenat least 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Use one that provides both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15 – higher levels if you are fair-skinned and sunburn easily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sun screens should be reapplied to the body at least every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Seek the shade and wear protective clothing- the rays of the sun are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to avoid spending extended periods of time in the sun during these hours. Also, cover up when possible. A typical white tee shirt has an SPF of about 3. Wear a large brimmed hat, sunglasses and other protective clothing. Get enough vitamin D.The body makes vitamin D in the skin when exposed to the sun. However sunscreen use blocks this process. It's now estimated that 50% of adults in the U.S. are at risk for vitamin D deficiency so to ensure you're getting enough, take a multivitamin-multi-mineral supplement daily with plenty of vitamin D.
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