Health Hotline Magazine | May 2024

Hyaluronic Acid Plumps and Moisturizes Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a humectant—a substance that retains moisture—and is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. It’s present in every tissue of the body, with some of the highest concentrations found in the skin. It’s no wonder HA seems to be in every topical skincare product these days. A 2021 study examined the effects of HA facial serum on skin benefits in those with signs of photoaging, a term used by dermatologists to refer to the damage caused when the sun prematurely ages the skin, and also a sign of skin barrier damage. Forty subjects with photoaging, ages 30–65 years, were given a HA facial serum twice a day with sunscreen. Immediately after application, there was a 134 percent increase in skin hydration. At week six, there were staggering improvements on the whole: 63% in hydration, 64% in skin smoothness, 60% in plumpness, 31% in fine lines, and 14% in wrinkles.

Quench Inflammation & Improve Dry Skin from Within While topical skincare helps to support skin barrier function to maintain healthy, glowing skin, don’t overlook nutrients that you can take to restore, replenish, and renew your skin from within. Take, for example, the omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs). A comprehensive review of 38 studies reporting benefits for O3FA supplementation in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne concluded that “given O3FA’s high safety profile, low cost, and ease of supplementation, O3FA is a reasonable supplement that may benefit patients wishing to improve inflammatory skin conditions through diet.” The omega-3 fats have been shown to protect the skin from UV damage and reduce

inflammation in the skin, both of which protects skin barrier health. The omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) has also been shown to improve skin barrier function by reducing moisture loss from the epidermis and reducing inflammation in people with dry skin and mild dermatitis. The combination of GLA plus omega-3s was found to improve psoriasis. The powerful antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that give plants their vibrant yellow and gold colors are proving to be pivotal for skin health. One study confirmed that just 10 mg lutein + 0.6 mg zeaxanthin (these antioxidants occur together naturally) per day for 90 days provided significant improvement in skin hydration (60%), elasticity (20%), and resistance to UV exposure (75%), all of which can support healthy barrier function and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These antioxidants also protect lipids in the skin, like ceramides, from oxidative damage. Load up on lutein and zeaxanthin and let your glowing skin be the judge!

Taking care of your skin should be stress-free and simple. Maximize the benefits of a few key ingredients and supplements that will replenish and protect your skin barrier and have your skin glowing in no time. As a rule of thumb, look for skincare products sold at stores with the highest quality standards in body care—stores that vet each product to ensure they’re free from harmful chemicals like

phthalates and parabens. For references, please visit: naturalgrocers.com/issue-82

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