My philosophy on aging reflects my outlook on life in general. Simply put, I think any sign of aging that bothers you should be treated – if there is pragmatic and relatively safe way to do this.
Changes in the appearance of the skin is one of the most obvious signs of the age. Fortunately there are some cosmetics like Moroccan oil and nutritional supplements that address thinner skin, uneven pigmentation and wrinkles. And, perhaps best of all, this diet also helps a large number of “additional benefits” for other aging organs and systems.
Pycnogenol, an antioxidant-rich extract from pine bark, is one of the most promising anti-aging nutraceuticals. A just published study in 20 postmenopausal women found that supplementing with 75 mg / day of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks resulted in a 25% improvement in skin elasticity, an 8% increase in skin hydration and 3% decrease in skin wrinkles. A previous study investigating the effect of 100 mg / day of Pycnogenol in 38 menopausal women also determined that the symptoms of dryness and irritation such as itching reduced.
Purified extracts of the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree are often used to cognitive deficits associated with the aging population. Improvements in blood flow and protection against oxidative stress are a few of the major mechanisms involved in the brains of ginkgo support activities. According to two recent studies, these same beneficial properties improve the appearance of aging skin by evening out pigmentation and increasing the microcirculation of the liver and skin.
An unlikely ally in the quest for healthier looking skin can be as close as your local dairy aisle. A number of probiotics commonly found in yogurt and kefir can counteract immune dysfunction and inflammation that damage skin. Regular consumption of cultured foods and / or probiotic supplements with strains such as Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus salivarius have been linked to improvement in acne, atopic dermatitis and protection against UV radiation – a major cause of age spots and wrinkles.
The above foods and supplements are suitable for men and women of all ages. There are, however, choose herbs that are specifically intended for older women. Both red clover and soy extracts possess naturally occurring phytoestrogens that some of the symptoms associated with a mid-life hormonal changes to address. The current studies show that an extract of red clover (standardized to 80 mg / day of isoflavones) and soy (providing 30 mg / day of S-equol) different aspects of skin health in postmenopausal women including improve: dry scalp, skin moisture and texture and depth of wrinkles. Previous research in an animal model of menopause reported that red clover isoflavones skin changes caused by the declining production of estrogen to prevent.
