First Line of Age Defence

By Bronwyn Potts, Flannery Skincare Specialist

While our DNA determines how our skin ages, we can include foods and products to help in the fight against aging skin.

Four things to consider that are amazing for the skin:

• Collagen – to firm and strengthen
• Vitamins A. C. & E. – for repair & required for the production of collagen
• Hydration – for glowing, moist skin
• Protection – to lock in nutrients & reduce environmental damage

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, keeping our tissues elastic, strong and supple and for replacing dead cells. Our body’s ability to produce collagen decreases with age (causing sagging skin) so here are some tips to help our bodies produce more collagen both externally and internally providing more flexibility, stronger bones and firmer skin.

For the formation of collagen we need vitamins A. C. & E.

Vitamin A stimulates healing in the dermis by replenishing cells therefore stimulating collagen production.

Vitamin C has high antioxidant levels helping to heal and restore damaged cells and increase collagen production.

Vitamin E is a nutrient and antioxidant fighting against environmental damage by neutralising free radicals. It is the main ingredient in the first line of age defence.

Hydration – keep cells hydrated, full and plump by using hydrosols, gels and serums (aloe vera based) that pass quickly through the tissue and cell walls…transporting nutrients, vitamins & extracts that promote collagen, repair and healing.

Protection by adding layers to your skin, reduces moisture loss, holding the nutrients in and preventing cells from drying out; exposing your skin to the elements increases cellular damage.

Layering your skin with serums, liquid moisturisers, creams, oils and foundation all provide protection; however, a good natural zinc sunscreen will also prevent more sun damage.

Here are some tips to help our bodies produce more collagen both externally and internally providing more flexibility, stronger bones and firmer skin.

TOP TIPS:

1. Increase your levels of amino acids (for the production of collagen) this includes meat, fish, eggs and dairy, bone broth and gelatine.

   For vegans, increase leafy greens, fruit and grain combinations. To make complete proteins, include at least one of these with your meal: quinoa, chia, hemp, soya, miso, tofu, pea & rice protein powders. At the same time include vitamins A.C & E.

2. Use a good face serum loaded with natural occurring nutrients.
3. Spray your face regularly with a mist hydrosol for hydration.
4. Use aloe vera based gels, creams and cold pressed unrefined oils that have naturally high nutrient content levels.
5. Gently massage your skin as it stimulates collagen production.
6. Avoid chemicals in your skin care, skin peels, micro derma abrasion and strong exfoliation which expose new skin tissue to environmental damage way before your skin is ready.

TOP PRODUCTS:

Nutra Organics Collagen Beauty – skin, hair & gut health

Vida Glow Beauty Skin – Cacao Maple Powder

Evohe Elluminate Refining Toner

La Mav Antioxidant Nightly Repair Nectar

Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Mukti Age Defiance Vital C Elixir