As we grow in age, our body slows down the release of essential nutrients needed to keep us looking youthful. Smile lines and wrinkles begin to develop and no matter how much water we drink, it can be hard to achieve the dewy glow we enjoyed when we were younger. Everyday stressors including physical, mental and environmental stress such as UV rays and pollutants, contribute to the aging process. Instead of looking at your skin and condemning it for no longer being what it once was, ask yourself what these signs are trying to tell you? You could be missing out on some crucial beauty ingredients. Here are 7 of them that your skin will love.
1. Collagen
It is no wonder collagen is one of the most popular beauty nutrients, it is a building block of our cells. Thoroughly researched for its effect on reducing fine lines and wrinkles, collagen can increase the elasticity of our skin and promote a smooth, plump looking appearance. Low collagen is one of the main contributors to the ageing process because as early as our mid-twenties, our natural collagen production starts to decline.
2. Silica
Commonly known as the beauty mineral, silica is a trace mineral found within our connective tissues. Silica works as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to assist with skin conditions such as eczema and is crucial to the transportation of oxygen to the skin. A key component of collagen, silica provides strength and firmness to our tissues, and helps to prevent dry skin. Like collagen, as we age our silica production naturally decreases, leaving our skin more prone to damage which shows in the form of ageing.
3. Zinc
If you notice that your skin has trouble healing, or you have white spots on your nails, you may be zinc deficient. Zinc is essential for repair at a cellular level, it can help to reduce skin conditions such as acne, as well as helping the skin to heal afterwards. Not only essential for cell growth and repair, zinc also supports the body’s natural formation of collagen. A high intake of zinc is crucial to protect our skin as it can help to fight off damaging free radicals, for a healthy, glowing complexion.
4. Hyaluronic Acid
Naturally produced by the skin, hyaluronic acid is a winter skin saviour! Produced to help maintain our moisture levels, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water producing plump looking skin. Due to the natural ageing process and environmental toxins, we need extra hyaluronic acid to support and protect our skin. When the skin is hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished, dry skin disappears and our cells are able to renew faster.
5. Vitamin C
One of the most widely used nutrients, vitamin C has many roles in the body, and a major role in the manufacture and repair of collagen. An antioxidant, vitamin C helps to fight free radicals to prevent inflammation and premature ageing. Our bodies do not naturally produce vitamin C, therefore it is critical that we consistently consume it. Vitamin C is an important vitamin for wound repair, it helps to provide tone and elasticity to our skin and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Biotin
Also known as B7, biotin is a B-vitamin which is known for supporting healthy hair skin and nails. Our skin cells rely on the production of fats for protection against environmental stressors and biotin is the vitamin which manufactures and utilises these fats; resulting in nourished skin. Biotin assists in the production of amino acids and the production of new skin cells, helping the oil glands to function properly for a clear looking complexion.
7. Resveratrol
Ever heard drinking a glass of red wine a day is good for your health? While the jury may still be out on whether that is true, there is a clear reason why we are told to drink red wine over white. It all comes down to the antioxidant found in the grape skin, called resveratrol. Resveratrol is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant that works on a cellular level to fight against ageing. Not only does it protect our cells against damage caused by environmental stressors like UV rays, it stimulates healthy cell proliferation for younger looking skin.
