Like other organs of the human body, the growth of the skin also requires sufficient nutrients in order to better maintain its basic functions. That is to assume the functions of protecting the body, wicking sweat, feeling cold, heat and pressure. However, factors such as busy lifestyle, eating habits and daily stress have caused people to spend very short time on skin care, such as substandard drinking water per day, sleep time less than 8 hours, and daily lack of attention to skin care. Skin problems followed one after another. Daily lifestyle is closely related to skin health. Most skin diseases are caused by problems in the skin layer (located in the middle layer of the skin). In real life, most people don’t have time to get enough sun every day, eat enough vegetables and fruits, etc. A simple and quick way is to take in enough nutrients through dietary supplements with natural functional ingredients to ensure skin’s overall health.
Oral beauty products are a dietary supplement that provides both internal and external protection. It can meet the most basic beauty needs. It can also prevent the skin from daily damage (such as environmental exposure, sun exposure, smoking and unhealthy eating patterns) and internal factors (Such as preventing premature skin aging and reducing antioxidant properties, etc.).
Common skin problems include acne, eczema, psoriasis, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, skin scars, skin nodules, early wrinkles and age spots. Most of the skin problems mentioned above are caused by the interaction between genes and the external environment. Of course, stress is also a key pathogenic factor.
Natural Functional Ingredients Improve Skin Health
A variety of natural functional ingredients contained in oral beauty products have a certain effect on alleviating common skin diseases. The three carotenes (lycopene, lycopene and phytoene) contained in tomato extract can activate the anti-inflammatory process in the body, thereby reducing inflammation-related skin diseases. At the same time, there are some Chinese herbal medicines that also have this effect, such as diosmin, a flavonoid found in citrus, which has been shown to relieve symptoms of dermatitis. Vitamin E is also a natural ingredient that can improve skin problems, while coconut oil and aloe vera are both functional ingredients for external application.
In fact, natural functional ingredients do not always have a good alleviation effect on skin diseases. Certain specific compounds are better than individual functional ingredients in promoting body health and improving skin health and appearance. For example, fish oil, borage, chia and flax containing Omega-3 and Omega-6, these ingredients play a very important role in maintaining skin health. In addition, phytoceramides have also been proven to quickly promote skin hydration and moisturize dry skin. At the same time, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins are also good natural functional raw materials for skin care.
Pycnogenol
A study pointed out that Pycnogenol can increase HA (Hyaluronic Acid) synthesis and collagen production in the skin. Daily intake of Pycnogenol dietary supplements for 12 weeks can increase the HA synthesis rate in women’s skin by 44%. At the same time, Pycnogenol can increase skin elasticity by 25% and skin hydration by 21%. As a strong antioxidant, Pycnogenol has natural anti-inflammatory effects, which can selectively combine with collagen and elastin in the skin to increase the production of hyaluronic acid. In addition, it can also promote the production of endothelial nitric oxide, which helps skin microcirculation.
Hyaluronic acid
A placebo-controlled trial pointed out that 107 subjects between the ages of 30-50 ingested 70 mg of hyaluronic acid powder twice a day for 30 days. The skin moisture content of the subjects was significantly increased. And there are no related side effects. A study conducted by NeoCell in 2014 pointed out that female subjects between the ages of 30 and 50 can increase the moisture of the skin to 50% by taking collagen supplements for 12 weeks. The main reason is that collagen is in the skin tissue. The protein matrix can be combined with hyaluronic acid to increase the water content of the skin by improving the skin matrix.
Common fruits and vegetables containing vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and carotenoids and other nutrients can also increase the water content in the skin. Cucumbers and lettuce have very high water content, and vegetables containing silicon such as celery are also an important source of skin hydration.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for more than 30% of the total protein in the human body. It is widely present in the skin, bones, muscles, cartilage, joints and hair tissues of the human body. It plays an important role in improving skin elasticity, maintaining the shape and structure of skin and tissues and organs. People can take collagen by oral administration. Better promote the growth of skin tissues. The cortex of the skin is the largest connection area in the connective tissue in the human body. The physiological function of the connective tissue mainly depends on the content of collagen fibers and mucopolysaccharides in the skin tissue.
Collagen can make the skin epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) plump, while maintaining skin moisture and promoting skin hydration. After the age of 20, the collagen content in the human body begins to decline, and the skin becomes loose, aging and wrinkled from the initial fullness, smoothness and softness. Collagen is a fibrous matrix that can tighten the skin. Remodeling the inside of the protoprotein matrix can help increase the firmness of the facial skin and repair signs of aging.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) extract is a widely used plant herb in the Ayurvedic system, mainly used for antibacteril, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-infective effects. It can improve the synthesis of collagen and other proteins by regulating fibroblasts and stimulating collagen remodeling. At the same time, it can also increase the cross-linking and maturation of collagen, and promote the formation of epithelial tissue and wound healing. In addition, Centella asiatica extract can maintain healthy skin color and elasticity, and increase the healing ability of damaged skin wounds.
The main active ingredients of the whole plant of Centella Asiatica are saponins and saponins metclass, including asiaticoside, hydroxy, asiatic acid and hydroxy asiatic Acid. Centella asiatica has long been used as a brain medicine, diuretic and auxiliary medicine for leprosy, ulcer and skin disease. Cosmetics generally use its dried whole herb.Modern medical research shows that the pharmacological effects of Centella asiatica are antidepressant, promoting the wound healing, treat scar, anti-tumor, anti-gastric ulcer, antibacterial, antioxidant and so on.
Studies have pointed out that Centella asiatica extracts have shown broad-spectrum biological activities for a long time. The most important are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer activities. In dermatology, Gotu Kola extract is used to treat small wounds, value-added scars, burns, psoriasis, etc. Centella asiatica extract can stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and activate the SMAD signaling pathway, so it can increase the production of type I collagen and reduce the formation of stretch marks and inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory activity of Centella asiatica extract
The terpenoids in Centella asiatica extract can significantly increase the content of collagen and cell laminin (fibronectin is widely involved in cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, hemostasis and skin tissue repair processes). Moreover, it can stimulate the production of type I collagen, which promotes the maturation of scars, and reduce the production of inflammation. In addition, Centella asiatica extract can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1, MMP-1), improve and repair the skin’s own barrier function.
Moisturizing activity of Centella asiatica extract
Centella asiatica extract can significantly increase the hydration of the stratum corneum. This is mainly related to the triterpene saponins in Centella asiatica extract. Centella asiatica triterpene saponins are hydrophilic sugar chains, mainly glucose and rhamnose. It can combine with water in the occlusion layer to improve the barrier capacity of the epidermis and enhance skin moisture.
Turmeric extract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an ancient spice in Southeast Asia with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Many studies have pointed out that turmeric can help improve skin problems, especially age spots, dark spots and dark circles under the eyes.
Turmeric has a large number of scientific research cases. The long history of use is especially in the East Asian diet and medical system, so its safety and effectiveness are guaranteed correspondingly, thus attracting a large number of consumers. As a strong antioxidant, turmeric helps fight free radicals in the body and prevent wrinkles, dry skin and dark spots caused by aging. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can relieve inflammatory skin diseases, and the curcumin contained in it can fight acne caused by bacteria. In addition to promoting skin health, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric can also be used to heal wounds.
A number of studies have confirmed that curcumin compounds, the active chemical substance in turmeric, can effectively improve a variety of skin problems, such as skin diseases, acne and abnormal pigmentation.
Turmeric’s anti-glycation properties can speed up the wound healing process and overall skin vitality. Tetrahydrocurcumin has good antioxidant capacity and safety, and it can also prevent radiation caused by ultraviolet rays.
Specific Natural Functional Ingredients Relieve Specific Skin Diseases
Psoriasis: The main feature of this disease is the appearance of red papules or plaques with multiple layers of silvery white scales. It usually occurs on the extensible limbs, scalp, buttocks and genitals. Severe skin lesions can spread throughout the body. Part of psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, that is, the immune system mistakenly recognizes certain parts of the body as foreign substances.
Fish oil, daily intake of 3.6 grams of EPA (fatty acids present in fish oil) can relieve psoriasis related symptoms for 2-3 months. A scientific study found that Pycnogenol can effectively improve psoriasis related symptoms, such as reducing skin hair Red, damaged area, use of standard drugs, etc.
Hyperpigmentation: The most common symptoms are dark skin and age spots. The reason is that the body produces too much melanin. Severe hyperpigmentation can cause skin damage and other skin diseases. Sun exposure and drugs can also affect it. A number of studies have shown that Pycnogenol has certain potential in improving the disease.
A study in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology pointed out that plant extracts can also inhibit the up-regulation of pigment marks caused by long-wave ultraviolet (UVA), thereby improving hyperpigmentation. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a natural polyphenolic substance, ellagic acid, and tyrosinase contained in this antioxidant can inhibit hyperpigmentation activity. Hyaluronic acid (HA) can deeply promote skin moisture, and ceramide can improve skin hydration on the outer layer of the skin. A variety of antioxidants can relieve skin inflammation symptoms, such as α-caprylic acid, resveratrol, curcumin and astaxanthin.
Eczema: Eczema is a disease caused by inflammation of the skin. The typical symptoms are small fluid-filled blisters, followed by swelling, scabs, and itchy skin. There are currently two main types of eczema: atopic dermatitis (a chronic disease of inflammation and itching) and contact eczema (local reactions, such as redness and itching, may be due to skin contact with allergens or irritants such as acid , Detergents and foreign substances that the immune system cannot recognize, such as specific preservatives in creams and lotions).
At present, most treatments can alleviate the discomfort caused by eczema, but there is no safe and effective method for all patients with eczema. Therefore, it is very important to keep the skin moist and moist. People suffering from eczema often lack the fatty acid γ-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a substance found in evening primrose (EPO), borer oil and black currant seed oil. GLA can be converted into hormone-like substances such as prostaglandin E1 in the human body, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Some clinical trials have confirmed that EPO and Borage oil have a good effect in relieving eczema.
The gum resin extracted from Boswellin Super contains no less than 30% acetyl 11-oxidized β-boswellic acid (AKBBA). The extract has a dual inhibitory effect on the inflammatory process, mainly due to the contained Boswellic acid. Boswellic acid has also been shown to inhibit the activity of two pro-inflammatory enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase (which usually produces inflammatory leukotrienes) and human leukocyte elastase (HLE, which initiates damage to tissues and further activates the inflammatory process). In addition, clinical trials have also confirmed that it has a certain effect on alleviating photoaging, skin wrinkles, improving elasticity and reducing sebum secretion. In addition, it also has certain effects in relieving eczema.
Conclusion
In general, the root causes of skin diseases are diverse. For example, the external environment, food allergies, toxins, defects in the activation and transformation of vitamins in the body, and defects in nutrients in the diet. Based on this point, people should pay attention to intake of natural functional ingredients that are beneficial to the skin in daily life, so as to further relieve common skin diseases.
