The ABCs of Anti-Ageing Skincare

I spent many years laughing at my father whilst he methodically laid out and then took his vitmains. He is now well into his 70's with healthy, blemish-free and almost entirely no wrinkles.  

This week's blog focuses on how the foods we eat affect they way we age.

What's in an ageing face?

As the body ages, the different cell types within our skin go a little haywire. They are no longer able to perform their functions as well as before and we see that as the signs of ageing.

Bone and Fat: The facial bones and fat pads are gradually reabsorbed by the body as we age, leading to a loss of underlying structure and volume. While this is especially the case in the upper face, the loss of the "scaffolding" leads to the gradual descent of the cheeks, causing nasolabial lines, marionette lines and jowls.

Collagen: Collagen is a protein found throughout the body providing structural support. It is in our bones, blood vessels, muscles and tendons but it makes up 80% of our skin. The cells that produce collagen are called fibroblasts and in time they reduce the amount of collagen that they churn out. In fact, from around the age of 30 our collagen levels drop by 1% per year. This loss of collagen with its support and elasticity, leaves us with fine lines and wrinkles.

Melanin: Melanin is a pigment found in most living things. It absorbs 99% of UV radiation and so prevents UV damage to the rest of the skin and body. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes and when we expose ourself to the sun the melanocytes rev up the amount of melanin we produce. The high melanin makes our skin look darker: Voila the suntan. Unfortunately, over time as the amount of UV exposure builds up the melanocytes begin to produce melanin unevenly: sunspots.

Keratin: Keratin is another major protein made in the human body. Our hair and nails are made of it, but keratin is also found on the outermost layer of our skin. Keratin forms a protective barrier for our skin, making it almost waterproof. It also protects the skin from bacteria, viruses and pollutants. However, as we age, the cells that make keratin, keratinocytes, become disordered and stop producing keratin as quickly. The skin becomes thinner, uneven in texture and dull. We lose the healthy glow.

Vitamins to the rescue.

Vitamin A: aka Retinol, and its derivative trenitoin, is the most powerful anti-ageing molecule on the planet. No other anti-ageing substance has been more tested or shown to be more effective in clinical trials.

This power house vitamin works by increasing the speed at which new skin cells are made and old skin cells lost. It boosts collagen levels and increases the thickness of the skin. This has the synergistic effect of reducing fine lines and wrinkles. By increasing cell turnover, Vitamin A also removes sun-damaged skin cells and curbs melanin production. This leads to a more even skin tone with less sunspots. Vitamin A tackles almost all the signs of ageing skin and should be a must in any anti-ageing regime. Dark green leafy vegetables, carrots and fish are all rich in Vitamin A but it has its maximum anti-ageing effect when applied directly to the skin.

Now you need to be careful with Retinols. As the old skin cells are sloughed off at a fast rate, most people experience some dryness, redness or peeling for the first few days. While this is to be expected, and shouldn't alarm anyone using retinol, it can be very off-putting. Herein lies the benefit of Arbonne's Intelligence Resurfacing Pads. Formulated using a plant based retinol, backuchiol, in combination with camomile extract, this product boasts the ability to give retinoid benefits without significant irritation.

Vitamin B: Pro-Vitamin B5 aka Panthenol is an essential nutrient and is considered to be crucial for all forms of life. It has two superpowers. The first is its ability to stimulate new cell growth through the production of enzymes. The second is because panthenol binds fiercely to water. In fact, it is one of the world's most potent moisturisers and is used in plastic surgery to seal in moisture and accelerate the healing process after deep burns.

Panthenol is vital to the anti-ageing fight, because it stimulates skin renewal, hydrates and supports the skin's protective barrier, has anti-inflammatory properties and regulates sebum production.

Most people are already familiar with Pro-Vitamin B5. Remember the world leading shampoo Pantene Pro-V? Pantene Pro-V gives hair a shiny healthy appearance because the panthenol traps water around the hair shaft. Panthenol is abdundant in salmon, bananas, avocados and sun-dried tomatos.

To use panthenol in your skin care regime, try Arbonne Intelligence Rejuvenating Cream. Packed with natural sources of panthenol such as sunflower seeds and aloe vera, this rejuvenating cream is proven to improve hydration in the skin within 24 hours. Ideal for those with very dry skin, and can even be used to repair cracked heels and elbows.

Vitamin C: L-ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is one of the most widely used supplements on the planet. It is needed for the production of...you guessed it, collagen. In fact, since collagen is a key component of connective tissue, without sufficient intake of Vitamin C, the body literally falls apart. Scurvy, a condition first noticed in British sailors starved of Vitamin C, is characterised by bleeding gums, tooth loss, joint pain and ulcers. Easily remedied by sucking limes, british sailors got the nickname" Limeys".

Vitamin C is also a potent anti-oxidant because it mops up free radicals. As a result, it reduces inflammation and limits the damage caused by UV light. In addition, Vitamin C reduces age spots and brighten's skin tone.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, but is found in much higher concentrations in chilis, kiwis and strawberries.

Arbonne's RE9 Range, is based predominantly on stabilised Vitamin C. All of the products are fortified with Seabuckthorn, a plant packed with more than 10 times as much Vitamin C as in any citrus fruit. Clinical trials have shown improvements in skin moisture levels in as little as 24 hours. By two weeks, over 80% of people report increased skin elasticity, firmness and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

This truly unique range is entirely vegan and gluten free. It does not contain harmful preservatives, parabens or mineral oils. All Arbonne skin care is also allergy and dermatology tested, making it both safe and effective. A real win-win.

Vitamin E: This last vitamin is a favourite of my father because it prevents atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It does this and derives its anti-ageing power because it is a potent anti-oxidant. Exposure to the sun and other environmental pollutants releases free radicals in the skin. Vitamin E neutralises these, and limits the havoc they can wreak. Furthermore, when combined with Vitamin C, the anti-oxidant effect is multiplied. In fact a Vitamin C and E combination is a form of " sunblock".

Its antioxidant properties means that it is an excellent aid in wound healing and as it is mostly kept in oil form, Vitamin E oil is often applied directly to skin as a moisturiser and to scars.

Vitamin E is fat soluble and found in foods rich in " good fat". Think avocados, almonds, palm oil and sunflower seeds.

If you are looking for an oral supplement containing all the vitamins mentioned, have a look at Arbonne's Daily Power Pack. Each pack contains 20 vitamins, a probiotic and enzyme capsule to aid digestion and a bone supplement.

There you have it, the super vitamins responsible for keeping skin supple and youthful. For more information on any of the vitamins or the Arbonne Products, have a look at our Arbonne page or contact us.

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