Healthy Skin

The Structure of our Skin

Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface and is made up of stratified squamous epithelium with an underlying basal lamina.  It contains no blood vessels, and is nourished by diffusion from the dermis.  Epidermis is divided into several layers where cells are formed.  These cells are filled with keratin and moved up through the layers. 

 

The sebaceous glands are glands found in the skin of mammals. They secrete an oily substance called sebum (Latin, meaning fat or tallow) that is made of fat (lipids) and the debris of dead fat-producing cells.  Sebum acts to protect and waterproof hair and skin, and keep them from becoming dry, brittle, and cracked. It can also inhibit the growth of microorganisms on skin.  Sebum is odorless, but its bacterial breakdown can produce odors. Sebum is the cause of some people experiencing "oily" hair if it is not washed for several days.  The composition of sebum varies from species to species; in humans, the lipid content consists of about 25% wax monoesters, 41% triglycerides, 16% free fatty acids, and 12% squalene.

 

About one-third of the lipid material on the surface of the skin is free and combined fatty acids. A majority of the fatty acids are straight chain monobasic acids typically no higher than C.sub.18. Fatty acids on the skin are believed to be present due to the breakdown of triglycerides by microbial action, i.e., metabolic activity of lipolytic organisms. Fatty acids are important to the health of the skin as a nutrient, and unsaturated fatty acids are particularly known to possess fungicidal and bactericidal properties.

 

The lipid barrier also includes triglycerides as one of its components, it is important to prevent their breakdown in order to preserve the protective nature of the lipid barrier. The lipid barrier is easily diminished by exposure to harsh detergents or soaps. The condition of the skin surface lipids may also be affected by a low level of triglycerides. It is apparent, that the quality of the skin lipid barrier can vary widely and depends on a number of different factors. Therefore, the lipid barrier may not always be adequate to perform its protective function optimally. In addition, skin that is afflicted with disease often suffers from an impaired lipid barrier. It speculated that the impaired lipid barrier is due to changes in the stratum corneum lipid composition and the organization of healthy skin.  Palmitoleic acid when applied directly to the skin can increase triglyceride concentration in the lipid barrier of the skin, one of the naturally occurring stratum corneum lipid components, as well as consequently enhancing the protective nature of the stratum corneum.

 

Omega 7 Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Omega 7 or Palmitoleic Acid is monounsaturated oil and is a highly effective antioxidant. It is found in the sebum particularly in youth, but diminishes with the aging process. The fatty acid is also a component of skin fat. Research suggested that palmitoleic acid may be involved in the cell rejuvenation and the healing process, particularly in dry and/or mature skin. It also offers some protection from the harmful effects of the sun. This fatty acid supports cell regeneration and can help heal burns and wounds, and reduce dermatitis and eczema. Palmitoleic acid when applied directly to the skin can increase triglyceride concentration in the lipid barrier of the skin, one of the naturally occurring stratum corneum lipid components, as well as consequently enhancing the protective nature of the stratum corneum.

 

Skin Sun Damage

Over time, sun exposure causes collagen, the critical structural component of the skin, to collapse and breaches the skin’s capacity to produce new collagen, In addition normal age-related changes can lessen the skin’s ability to moisturize itself, as oil glands beneath the surface become less effective.  The skin is the largest of the body’s organs and its first line of defense against potential external threats. The immune system relies on the skin to present a united front against invaders, including free radicals, which have been identified by recent advances in research as the primary villains that threaten the integrity of skin cell membranes.

 

Natural Compounds for Healthy Skin From Within

Hyaluronic Acids:  HA helps to keep the elasticity of the skin by

holding in the moisture and hydrating the cells.  HA is an amino acid that helps to preserve the collagen and increases the collagen fibers making them more supple.   HA increases the water in the dermis which improves the elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is naturally distributed throughout the human body where, among other noteworthy properties, it holds water in the intercellular matrix of dermal connective tissue and contributes to the elasticity of skin. Replenishing with hyaluronic acid can help lock moisture into the extracellular matrix.  HA may help reduce by 88% levels of an enzyme harmful to the skin matrix.

 

As we age, however, the skin's hyaluronic acid (HA) content diminishes, resulting in a loss of viscoelasticity in the skin that visibly manifests itself in wrinkles.   Low levels of HA are known to contribute to altered elasticity an increase in wrinkles. HA has also been shown to enhance the proliferation of fibroblasts which are needed for collagen production. (NPICenter.com 2006). 

 

During a study of the effect of LMW(low molecular weight) hyaluronic acid on epidermal regeneration, morphological differences between treated and non-treated areas became apparent.  Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid increases the hydric level of damaged skin at values similar to that of non-damaged skin, the optimum moisture being reached after 14 days. This ingredient seems to normalize migration and cell proliferation during tissue healing and at the same time diminishes cell differentiation. Damaged skin treated with LMW hyaluronic acid is less rough than untreated skin. LMW hyaluronic acid's high regenerative capacity has been effective in treating prematurely aged skin, induced either by chemical or by exposure to such climactic agents as UV radiation, wind, or extreme temperatures.

 

 

 

Antioxidants play a vital role when it comes to fighting the effects of photoaging from within.  “Vitamin C is depleted when the skin is exposed to the sun, pollution, or smoking.  Even minimal UV exposure can decrease the vitamin C levels in the skin by 30%, while exposure to the ozone of city pollution can decrease the level by 55%. (American Academy of Dermatology 2002b)

 

Co-Q10 is similar in structure to vitamin K and has qualities similar to those of other fat-soluble antioxidants. CoQ10 increases the biological energy (ATP) inside the cells and helps neutralize harmful free radicals, which are one of the causes of aging. Under perfect conditions, the body can produce as much CoQ10 as it needs. However, various factors, such as aging, stress and some medications, can lower the levels of CoQ10 in the body. Starting at about age 30, levels of Co-Q10 drop.  As a result, the ability of cells to withstand stress and regenerate declines, and causes the breakdown of skin tissue. In fact, CoQ10 is regarded as one of the most accurate biomarkers of aging since its decline correlates so well with the aging process.

 

In most people over thirty, levels of CoQ10 in the skin are below optimum, resulting in lesser ability to produce collagen, elastin and other important skin molecules. Besides, CoQ10-depleted skin may be more prone to the damage by free radicals, which are particularly abundant in the skin since it is exposed to the elements. Thus, CoQ10 may boost skin repair and regeneration and reduce free radical damage.

 

Superoxide dismutase (SOD)is an antioxidant enzyme with “photosensitizing” properties. According to researchers reporting in the European Journal of Dermatology, performed with mice, investigators concluded that the application of a gel containing SOD yielded “efficient protection” against UV light. Moreover the UV-exposed displayed resistance to puffiness and discoloration (Youssefi 1994).   SOD may benefit photodamaged skin and help with protein oxidation, according to the skin researchers at a German university (Sander 2002).

 

DMAE:has been shown to enhance skin firmness, particularly in the eye, check and jaw areas (American Academy of Dermatology 2002a), The results of one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology indicate that DMAE helped mitigate forehead lines and fine wrinkles around the eyes of participants and enhanced lip shape and the “overall appearance of aging skin (Grossman 2005).  As a dietary supplements DMAE is associated with enhancing skin cell resilience and texture, and also promotes the brain messenger responsible for muscle contractions (American Academy of Dermatology 2002a)

 

Essential Oils for Healthy Skin

With age, the health and structure of skin deteriorates This is particularly prevalent in the area around the eyes resulting in a hollowed –out look with dark circles and shadows plus droopy bags that stick around even after a good night’s sleep.  Skin looks thinner and wrinkles get deeper and longer.  Organic oils, including sunflower (Helianthus annuus), borage (Borago officinalis), and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil, have proven to be favorable skin-softening and moisturizing agents. For instance, the rich oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers contains chief fatty acids that help soothe and soften skin as well as promote skin repair (Medical Economics 2000). 

 

Gevuina Oil:  Gevuina oil is rich in Omega 7 (Palmitoleic acids) and Omega 9 (oleic acids)  palmitoleic, linoteic, and linolenic),Vitamin E (a-tocotrienol),b-carotein, and a number of other amino acids that is essential in maintaining beautiful youthful skin.  Research has shown Omega 7 to be useful for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.  Gevuina Oil contains high amounts of palmitoleic acid – (omega-7 fatty acid), which is normally found in the human skin sebum.  It’s regenerative and restructuring properties moisturize the skin and help skin to maintain the normal cell structure.  Gevuina Oil is also a natural sun protectant that has a SPF80 UV protectant value. 

 

Evening Primrose Oil: In placebo-controlled studies that was published in the British Journal of Dermatology  researchers concluded that evening primrose oil exhibits a skin-soothing effect, noting that its “effects on itch were particularly striking” (Morse 1989)

 

Olive (Olea europaea) oil is another ingredient that can support the structural integrity of the skin and helps the body resist the negative influence of the sun. Researchers in Italy concluded that olive oil is a powerful free radical scavenger that can play a critical role in influencing cellular repair and protein oxidation (D’Angelo 2005)

Grape Seed Oil:  Grape seed oil is a preferred cosmetic ingredient for damaged and stressed tissues, possessing regenerative and restructuring qualities which allow a better control of skin moisturization. It can help skin retain the normal structure of epithelium cells and nerve cells via supporting the cell membranes.  It is noted to be especially effective for repair of the skin around the eyes. Used as an all-over skin moisturizer, grape seed oil is known to reduce the look of stretch marks. The light green oil contains essential fatty acids especially linoleic acid, vitamins, minerals, protein and GLA.  Grapeseed oil helps strengthen tissue cells, preserves natural skin moisture, and aids skin penetration without leaving a greasy feeling. 

Flaxseed oil and Skin Care: Flaxseed Oil is incredibly rich in the essential fatty acids known as Omega-3, (alpha linolenic acid), and Omega-6 (linoleic acid). Flaxseed oil helps nourish the skin membranes by supplying our skin with natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids in Flaxseed oil in also essential for the production of prostaglandins in the skin to help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the skin. Flaxseed oil, when used topically, can be immensely soothing to a variety of conditions including sunburn. Flaxseed oil can also help seal moisture into the skin, making it a great ingredient to have in lotions.

Omega 3 reduces skin inflammation: Skin disorders such as psoriasis have been shown to improve by supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. In the skin of persons with psoriasis the amount of compounds causing inflammation is many times greater than normal. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibits the production of these inflammatory compounds. Clinical trails have shown that omega-3 fats can be successful in the treatment of eczema. Epidermal cells can be very active in the conversion of essential fatty acids into prostaglandin hormones, which determine the smoothness and moistness of the skin, and can influence skin conditions such as eczema. The omega-3 fatty acids provide skin cells with the precursors from which they synthesize PG-series 3, derived from gamma-linolenic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid by epidermal cells, then to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin hormone (PG-1), which also improves skin texture and has been used successfully to treat eczema and provide proper skin care treatments.

Omega 3 Nourises Skin: Our skin membranes are made of compounds comprised from Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The health of our skin cells is dependent upon the membranes working properly, and if we are deficient in EFAs, nutrients do not flow into the cells as easily as they should and waste products do not come back out as readily. For years, a deficiency in EFAs has been linked to skin that is dry, cracked, red, or covered with a skin condition like psoriasis, or eczema.