The skin is the largest organ in your body. It protects you from germs, UV radiation, and other external threats. But it also helps regulate your internal temperature and releases necessary hormones in response to stress or illness. In short, taking care of your skin isn’t only important in order to maintain your good looks, but it’s vital for good health as well. While there are many different products and foods that help with skincare, there are 6 things that stand out when it comes to promoting skin self-renewal and slowing down the aging process.
1. Thale Cress Extract
Thale cress is a small flowering plant found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The extract is derived from the plant’s leaves, and it’s been shown as a great option for skincare. Some of the benefits of using arabidopsis thaliana extract, as it’s formally called, include reducing wrinkles, repairing photoaged skin, and inhibiting the growth of melanoma cells. The most impressive one, of course, is the ability to recognize skin damage and help to reverse it. While it’s still not widely available, there are already some big-name brands that have started incorporating it into their products, and you can even get a stand-alone extract to apply at home. Some of these brands include Green Stone Swiss, ReLuma, and the PerfectSkin line of cosmetics.
2. Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is an essential nutrient for human health. But it’s also beneficial for the skin, where it helps improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and even out skin tone. Elasticity is something skin naturally loses as it ages, so keeping it healthy is crucial in preventing wrinkles and sagging. Niacinamide also helps to increase ceramide levels in the skin, which are lipid molecules that play a key role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. This means that niacinamide can be effective for treating conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It’s available as an over-the-counter supplement and in many skincare products. You can also get it through foods like eggs, salmon, and tuna.
3. Retinoids
Retinoids are a type of vitamin A derivative that has been used for many years to treat a variety of skin conditions. They work by promoting cell turnover, which helps keep the skin looking younger and healthier. They’re available in prescription form and over the counter, and they come in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, and liquids. Some common side effects of retinoids include dryness, redness, and skin irritation. But with careful use, most people can find a formulation and dosage that works for them. Some foods that are rich in vitamin A include liver, carrots, and sweet potatoes, so it’s always a good idea to include them in your diet.
4. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is well known for its antioxidant properties, which make it beneficial for the skin. The extract from green tea can be used topically or orally, and it helps to protect the skin from sun damage, pollution, and other environmental toxins. It’s also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve collagen production. Oral supplementation of green tea extract is especially beneficial, as it helps to protect the skin from within. You can find green tea extract in many skincare products, and it’s also available in supplement form. Otherwise, some good sources of green tea include brewed tea and Matcha powder which is a type of green tea that is high in antioxidants.
5. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient that’s found in every cell of the body. It helps to produce energy, and it’s especially important for the health of the heart. But it’s also beneficial for the skin, where it helps to reduce wrinkles and promote collagen production. CoQ10 is available as a supplement and in many skincare products. You can also get it through foods like salmon, beef, and peanuts. The best way to get CoQ10 is through a combination of diet and supplementation, as levels can be low in some people. You can also increase levels of CoQ10 through exposure to sunlight.
6. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a compound that’s found in red wine, grapes, and other fruits. It’s thought to be responsible for some of the health benefits associated with those foods, including reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It turns out that resveratrol is also good for your skin. It helps promote skin self-renewal and slows down aging. It does this by increasing the production of enzymes that protect against DNA damage, and by inhibiting the production of enzymes that break down collagen. While it’s always good to have a lot of fruits in your diet, you can also get resveratrol from supplements.
Taking care of your skin is important not only for your looks but also for your health. As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to promote skin self-renewal and slow down aging, including using different products, incorporating healthy foods in your diet, and taking supplements. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before starting any new skincare regimen, though, especially if you have a skin condition.