Quest Vitamins LTD, |
Skin - Beauty from the Inside OutClick Here for the PDF Version.Skin has three layers: the epidermis ("overskin") or top layer, the dermis ("skin") or middle layer and the subcutis ("underskin") or bottom layer. The outer surface of the skin, the epidermis, is comprised of hard, flattened dead cells. Beneath this are living cells which are somewhat larger, and at the bottom layer, there are new cells growing and pushing upward to the surface. The sebaceous glands are located in the dermis at the base of each hair follicle, they secrete an oily substance called sebum which waterproofs the hair and lubricates the skin. Collagen and elastin are the skin proteins responsible for elasticity, tone and texture. Glycosoaminoglycans (GAG's) and proteoglycans hold water in the skin (these are very similar to mucus proteins) and are the true skin moisturizers. Skin Conditions Eczema: Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, occurs when the skin is abnormally sensitive to allergens, causing the skin to become inflamed, flaky, itchy and susceptible to infection. The condition is common in infancy. Psoriasis: Your body produces new cells in your lowest skin level and these skin cells gradually move up through the layers of your skin until they reach the outermost level, then they die and flake off, a process that takes around normally 21 to 28 days. In psoriasis this process is speeded up, so that it only takes 2- 6 days. As a result, dead skin cells build up rapidly on the surface of the skin causing red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silvery scales to appear on the surface. These patches are then shed easily. It can occur on any part of your body although it is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back and the scalp. The condition is believed to result from an overactive immune response; white blood cells (T cells) act as if they were fighting an infection or healing a wound, leading to inflammation and the rapid growth of skin cells causing psoriatic plaques to form. Beauty Is On The Inside Youthful Skin Feed Your Skin Evening primrose oil is rich in the anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Fish Oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which promotes a healthy inflammatory response. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, the major structural component of skin; it is also a crucial water-soluble anti-oxidant. Vitamin A is required for normal cell differentiation (the specialisation of cells to perform specific functions) and as such is vital to skin health. Beta-carotene, the pigment that gives carrots their bright orange colour, is a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, meaning that when required it can be used to make vitamin A; beta-carotene is a safer way to supplement with vitamin A, it also acts as an antioxidant. Riboflavin and niacin: Riboflavin is critical for the generation of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins; the vitamin is also required for the normal use of other B-group vitamins and iron. In riboflavin deficiency a scaly skin inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis) can appear and dry skin patches at the corner of the mouth. As many as 200 enzymes (proteins which kick-start chemical reactions) require niacin, it mainly functions in the reactions that generate energy. In niacin deficiency a scaly, darkly pigmented rash can develop in areas exposed to sunlight. Folate: The synthesis of DNA is dependant on folate. As skin has a short life cycle its condition is dependant on healthy DNA replication. Zinc is part of the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and is essential to skin condition. Iron forms the haem part of haemoglobin in blood, which transports oxygen; deficiency is associated with anaemia and pale, lifeless complexions. A word about probiotics Healthy, glowing skin comes from inside.Quest For Life Issue 5
|