Nutrition and Aging

The first crucial point is that skin is an organ of the body and its health, like that of any other organ, is hugely dependent on sound nutrition and the avoidance of substances, toxins and environmental factors which can cause damage to its sensitive structures. Being the body' s principal external defence against the natural elements, rather than being protected inside the body by layers of fat and tissue, the skin is of course particularly prone to visible and substantial damage. It's therefore little use hoping that the skin will respond to some "magic" cream, if its general health has been ignored, any more than any other organ of the body can be restored to health by means of vitamin or mineral supplements as a substitute for inadequate nutrition.

This being so, the first step in preparing a holistic program for slowing down or even apparently reversing the aging process, as it becomes all too visibly reflected in the skin, is to embark on a proper regime of nutrition and exercise. In terms of nutrition, the skin's basic requirements are no different from those of any other organ; an adequate supply of protein for the essential maintenance, repair and regeneration of the cells and supporting structures, blood capillaries included, and a generous intake of essential vitamins and minerals. But for the protection of the delicate and highly vulnerable (and visible) cells of the skin, a good intake of the antioxidant vitamins is particularly important. Water-soluble vitamin C and fat-soluble vitamin E, are the most important antioxidant vitamins, although vitamin A is also of course well known as a skin protector. Vitamins and minerals, however, do not operate in isolation, and always function best when all of those required by the body are present in adequate quantities.

Assuming adequate protein for the replacement and repair of cells, a good intake of the antioxidant vitamins is the next most important factor in nourishing and protecting the skin. Water-soluble vitamin C and fat-soluble vitamin E, are by far the most important of these, although vitamin A is also of course well known as a skin protector. A good intake of the whole vitamin B complex, using supplements where necessary, is also highly recommended. Of the minerals, a high intake of zinc is probably the priority, and a diet rich in unsaturated natural oils is also helpful. No nutrient, however, functions in isolation, and optimal performance always depends on the presence of an at least adequate supply of all those required by the body.

But if nutrition is adequate in this way, the most important factor in the skin's health (and therefore its appearance) will be a plentiful intake of water. It has often been observed that that nothing is more damaging to skin than the dehydration which so often follows from modern diets and lifestyles. Along with a lavish intake of pure water, therefore, the limitation of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and other such dehydrating substances is a vital measure if the skin is to be rejuvenated.

Almost needless to say, the skin should be exposed to the sun only with caution.

Whatever the marketing hype, the main role of most skin creams is to preserve and enhance the skin's own natural moisture, thus protecting against damage. Whilst it's clear that good hydration of the skin begins from within - with water intake and sound nutrition, there's no doubt that the skin can also absorb moisture from an externally applied cream;, and that a good quality creams can also help the skin by acting as a barrier against damage from the sun, wind, rain and even more potent environmental stresses such as pollution. There's also some evidence that the skin may be able to absorb some of the vitamins and minerals sometimes contained in externally applied creams.

So given that anti aging creams can be useful, the choice becomes largely a matter of individual taste and budget, as well as skin type. A person's skin is highly individual, and no two will necessarily react identically to particular products. But in general terms, it's best to look for a cream with as few manufactured chemicals as possible, as those based on natural nutrients and ingredients are less likely to irritate sensitive or dry skin conditions. A series of experiments with small amounts of a new product may be advisable before deciding on its suitability, while remembering always that no skin cream, however expensive or technologically advanced, is ever an alternative to careful nutrition and good skincare practice.