Topical wrinkle fighters are great, but any kick-ass anti-aging strategy should incorporate internal wrinkle fighters in natural food and in supplement form. Here’s a list of a few heavy hitters to help with skin hydration and lines.
Internal Wrinkle Fighters
Fish Oil
In addition to heart health and anti-inflammatory properties, taking a fish oil supplement daily helps in hydrating skin.
I once had a friend who boasted she was taking fish oil supplements every day and that her hair was soooooo shiny and her nails were soooo strong.
Eons later (don’t ask me why I waited) after taking fish oil supplements daily myself, I can personally attest, YES, this happens, but you do NOT have to be a bitch about it and BRAG to friends.
The fatty acids in fish oil supply hydration to your skin and help you ward off wrinkles. Omega 3 fatty acids helps support the skin cell membrane, which in turn helps it hold onto water, which leads to skin that is more moist and even softer. Omega 3 fatty acids also help support brain function and memory.
It’s so important to choose a high quality, fresh fish oil that meets international standards for heavy metals and other contaminants. Jarrow is a great brand.
I’ve recently discovered Barleans, which is way more tasty and fun to take than fish oil capsules. It runs around $24 when on sale.
Hyaluronic Acid
Another herculean ingredient for hydrating skin is hyaluronic acid. This is a skin nutrient found in deep layers of the skin. Not unexpectedly, this nutrient decreases with age, so supplementing is a great idea (it’s also great in topical wrinkle creams).
I tried Nature’s Bounty Advanced Hyaluronic Acid Beauty Formula. I liked how it had no artificial flavors, or sugar or starch and the formula was paired with vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. (50 mg hyaluronic acide and 15 mg vitamin C).
As we grow older, it’s important to supplement with antioxidants to prevent free radicals, which can lead to increased oxidative damage to DNA, mitochondria and cell membranes. Free radicals not only make skin look dull and wrinkled, but cumulative free radical damage may include impaired immune function, increase of degenerative diseases and even cancer.
Vitamin C, E and More
Additional supplements which are not only wrinkle fighters but are powerful free radical fighters are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, alpa-lipoid acid and curcumin.
Don’t forget about green tea. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols and flavonoids and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG functions as an antioxidant that is about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects that are greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries.
As far as a daily supplement, I’ve tried Rainbow Light Vitamins and mentioned them on the Los Angeles Examiner (they were kind enough to send samples, but all opinions are my own). The women’s Multivitamin capsules made with organic fruits and vegetables was my favorite and includes 56 mg of antioxidant whole foods. Rainbow Light is a high quality line and many people seek it out.
I would add alpha lipoic acid and glutathione as well as drinking lots of water for cell hydration. Look for my other articles about beneficial collagen drinks too which can help with crepe-y skin!
To Health And Hydration,
Eliza The Anti-Aging Analyst
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