Wonder Acid For Your Skin
Now you will understand why eating healthy makes your skin look
fresh and young. That little extra effort can give you better results than expensive skin products
It’s strange how simple
conversations sometimes lead us to something important, like the saying goes –
Every experience teaches you something. It was a casual conversation with my
neighbour and one thing led to the other and suddenly we started discussing Skin.
She told me how her daughter had problem skin on her cheeks when she was a
baby. The top layer of the skin was not there and she used to cry and howl every
time during a bath or if someone touched her face.
Rub It On Your Skin
My curiosity was aroused; I asked her how it was
cured. She told me how a close friend who was getting married had burnt her hand
accidentally and d to be rushed to a leading dermatologist (who is today a celebrity
favourite). Her friend asked her to consult the dermat for her daughter’s skin
problem. And the solution given by the dermat was very simple. She had to dilute
a certain acid with water, dip a cotton ball into it and rub the baby’s cheeks
with it. And miraculously, the baby’s skin became normal after a couple of
months.
I kind of guessed what
the acid would have been but still asked her the name. Hydrochloric acid or
something like that, she told me. Being a science student, I knew it could
never be hydrochloric acid. I’ve been a victim of it splashing on my hand and
clothes during our chemistry practicals.
Hyaluronic Acid
I had read up a bit on Hyaluronic acid
and immediately knew it had to be that. The name hit a bell and she immediately
said – Yes, that’s the one. I don’t blame her, for not too many are familiar
with it and the others cannot pronounce it correctly. I also asked her if it
had been very expensive. She said it was. There was no doubt in my mind then
that it was Hyaluronic Acid.
But I had always known it to be of cosmetic value as
an important part of skin creams and gels. This was the first time I had come
across it in the medical context. I did a bit of research online and want to
share it with my readers.
To the less beauty savvy, 'acid' may sound like something
you don't want to put anywhere near your face, but in reality it actually holds
the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin. This experience that I’ve
recounted is proof. I will trust it with my eyes closed. But before we start
applying it, let’s get a little familiar with it.
- We have to know that our skin cells actually produce Hyaluronic Acid. It originates in connective tissue and contributes to flexibility of our facial skin
- It helps to maintain the moisture level of our skin
- But with ageing and environmental pollutants attacking our skin, their levels tend to take a bit of a dip, leading to dullness, fine lines and uneven skin tone and texture
- Fortunately, we can replace that moisture by applying Hyaluronic Acid through cosmetics
Skin Hydration
According to aesthetic doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani, hyaluronic
acid is critical in maintaining skin hydration. He says, “Although the naturally
produced one can be degraded by free radical mechanisms caused by things like
UV exposure, when applied to the skin, it helps to hydrate the skin and
maintain this hydration as a humectant.” Humectant is a substance used to
reduce the loss of moisture.
Some people choose to inject hyaluronic acid as a
dermal filler, which can help add volume to the skin. Others apply it
topically, which won’t produce as dramatic or lasting results—as it can’t reach
the deepest layers of the skin—but can still smooth the appearance of fine
lines and wrinkles.
If you check your high-end skin care products, you
might find hyaluronic acid hiding on the labels of some of your skincare
products. It works as a magnet for moisture, helping your cells retain as much
of it as possible so that your skin feels and appears hydrated, plump and
healthy. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It is thought to improve
cell-to-cell interaction and promote collagen synthesis, which can prevent wrinkles
and improve your skin’s texture.
Collagen Breakdown
Just a single gram of Hyaluronic Acid has the
impressive ability to hold up to six litres of water. Add to that, a super
smart ability to regulate that moisture within the cells, so as not to drown
them and you've got one genius ingredient. When you apply it to your face it is
like giving your skin shots and shots and shots and shots of water, which help
plump up the skin and prevent your collagen from breaking down.
If skin is sufficiently hydrated, it feels
super-soft, plump and pillowy and looks so much more radiant. When skin is
hydrated, lines and wrinkles (even the deeper ones) appear diminished, so it is
a great ingredient for those with ageing skin who are desperate to cling on to
their youthful perkiness. It works wonders on any skin type, even sensitive or
breakout-prone skin, as well as those with an oily complexion.
Recent research
suggests that Hyaluronic Acid also has antioxidant properties, and it can act
like a shield against free radicals we aren't in control of, like environmental
pollutants. Hyaluronic acid supplements can help increase skin moisture and
reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical treatments can soothe
redness and dermatitis, while injections can make skin appear firmer.
HA and Food We Eat
Now I’m no cosmetologist nor am I a beauty therapist.
So why am I discussing cosmetics and medicines? Well, as a nutritionist I
always believe that food should be your first medicine. So if you eat right,
exercise and follow a healthy lifestyle, it’s possible to delay ageing and the
dependence on cosmetics. It’s no secret that what you eat can affect your skin.
You might already try to eat foods high in antioxidants like vitamin A and
vitamin E to help improve your complexion. However, hyaluronic acid can do
wonders for your skin.
It is indeed interesting to see that besides
hyaluronic acid being produced in the skin, there are some naturally occurring
foods high in the acid. If you want to increase your levels of hyaluronic acid
in other ways, you can look to your diet. There are a number of foods that
contain the compound that can help your skin stay supple and smooth.
Foods High in HA and Some That increase
HA Production
Bone
Broth
Eating bone broth is your best bet when it comes to
hyaluronic acid. Bone broth that is made from many parts of the animal might
have some benefit. Because the bones are simmered in water over a period of 24
hours, it leaches nutrients, including hyaluronic acid, from the bones and adds
them to the water.
Soy-Based
Foods
It’s thought that an increase of estrogen may help
production of HA by the body. Include foods like tofu, tempeh and edamame—which
are all soy products that contain some estrogen—in your diet. Throw them in a
salad, mix them in a stir-fry or nibble on them as a snack. “The great thing
about these foods is that they are a fantastic source of plant-based complete
proteins, are full of vitamins and minerals, and filling
Starchy
Root Vegetables
Some research indicates that starchier root vegetables may increase the production of HA by the body. These foods include potatoes, sweet potatoes and other tubers such as jicama and Jerusalem artichoke. Luckily, those foods are also great sources of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin A and vitamin C, all of which are great for our bodies.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain naringenin, which inhibits the
breakdown of HA in the body, according to dermatologist Margarita Lolis, MD. In
addition to fruits like oranges and grapefruits, tomatoes and bananas contain
naringenin as well. “Eating grapefruits with breakfast and snacking on oranges,
grapes and tomatoes during the day will absolutely lead to more supple glowing
skin in as fast as three weeks,” she says.
Leafy
Greens
Leafy greens contain magnesium, a necessary catalyst
to help with HA production in the body. Other foods that are high in magnesium
include avocado, nuts, fruits and seeds. Salads loaded with all these
ingredients are a great way to boost magnesium content while getting your fair
share of other nutrients along with it as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment