Natural skin care with EPA

Incredible though it sounds, fish oil containing eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, appears to slow down the ageing process and help us to look younger by protecting the skin and inhibiting the chemical processes that take place when our skin is exposed to damage-inducing stimuli, like the sun for example. Evidence suggests that aside from all the other documented health benefits of EPA, it can make our skin more resistant to sunburn, improve skin elasticity and tone and helps to prevent saggy skin and wrinkles from forming.

Most of us know that UV radiation from the sun is public enemy number one as far as the skin is concerned. Overexposure results in premature ageing and wrinkles as well as reduced immunity to disease, and possibly even skin cancer. When our skin is exposed to a lot of sunlight we produce abnormal elastin that causes the skin to stretch and collagen fibres begin to break down. In response to this we produce a large number of enzymes called metalloproteinases or MMPS. This would normally be a good thing as these enzymes try to repair the damage, but it is inefficient and over time, MMPS produced as a result of UV radiation actually results in a break down of collagen and finally wrinkles appear.

A study published in 2005 in the Journal for Lipid Research investigated the effect that EPA had on MMPS arising as a result of ultra violet radiation from the sun in human skin and found that EPA inhibited overproduction of MMPS and reduced the amount of damage to the skin. The researchers Kim et al concluded that EPA could possibly prevent as well as treat skin ageing. Then more recently in 2006, Drs Black and Rhodes found that EPA offers protection against sun-induced damage to skin cells by making the skin more resistant to the sun's rays in the first place. Participants taking fish oil showed a higher "minimal erythemal dose". This basically means that the lowest amount of radiation needed to produce erythema (an inflammatory effect on the skin or sunburn) was higher for those taking fish oil. These studies show that EPA not only protects the skin, it limits the damage too, but these are not the only benefits of EPA.

The properties of EPA

EPA is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties, both of which help to slow down and minimise the effects of ageing and wear and tear on the body. From the moment we are born, we are subjected to a number of environmental pollutants that put pressure on our skin. Oxygen-free radicals from pollution, for example, are everywhere and result in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation leads to an increase in inflammatory responses and too much can cause premature ageing and wrinkles as well as contribute to the development of many skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers responsible for these inflammatory responses.

Increasingly as we grow older, our skin starts to thin out and stretch as collagen fibres lose their elasticity, the skin starts to lose its ability to repair itself and can no longer retain moisture as well as it did. Consequently, many people begin to rely on external lotions and potions to keep the skin moist and supple. EPA can help the blood to flow more efficiently throughout the body and contribute to healthy and radiant looking skin. It is interesting that a lack of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet manifests itself most noticeably as skin problems.

Signs of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency

• Dry and flaky skin
• Dandruff
• Hard and cracked skin
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Poor wound healing
• Dull and lifeless looking skin

Most of us are also well aware that stress and anxiety can speed up the ageing process resulting in 'worry lines' as well as more serious conditions and threats to our health. The amazing thing is that EPA has demonstrated considerable success in alleviating depression, anxiety and stress so not only does it help us to remain healthy and look younger with better skin and fewer wrinkles, but it has a 'feel-good' factor too which helps keep those worry lines at bay.

Conclusion

All this is very exciting, particularly when we consider the amount of time, money and effort spent on the ever-increasing number of products available to help keep us healthy, young and beautiful. The implications are that we can do the same job naturally through diet by taking fish oil supplements containing EPA and benefit not only from healthy more youthful looking skin and all the other documented health-giving properties of EPA but possibly gain a new lease of life too.

By: David McEvoy

Dave McEvoy is an expert in Omega 3 and fish oil for more information about fish oil and EPA come and visit his site which is packed full of information.

Article Source: http://articles.drbonomi.com/

Skin Care Basics

The only four products you need.

With new creams and ingredients being launched seemingly every day, it's easy to get confused by all the options. And unless you're willing to spend hours on your skin care routine every day by incorporating all of these different lotions, you'll need to pick and choose which basics are right for you.

Here, the bare minimum that you need:

Sunscreen:

It's a must, essential for preventing sun damage and lowering your risk of developing skin cancer.

Eye cream:

It's wise to invest in an eye cream, which treats the eye area with more emollient moisturizers. Some eye creams even claim to minimize dark circles and temporarily tighten fine lines.

Retinols:

If you're concerned with wrinkles and pigmentation spots, a face cream with retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) can help.

Body lotion with alpha-hydroxy acids:

A lotion with skin-sloughing AHAs smoothes your whole body, including hands, feet, arms, and legs. For tough dry spots, apply extra lotion before bed and let it soak in while you sleep.

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Skin and Body Care - Fact and Fiction

The world of skin and body care is slathered with misapprehensions, says a company that has prospered in the field. Perhaps wearing tight pants will stop consumers gaining weight? ◆ I don't need body lotion in summer, right? Because the skin is hot and sticky, if you don't provide it with moisture and nourishment, it loses its vitality. The changes in the season and climate can spell trouble due to dry skin. ◆ If I wrap myself in cling film, will I lose weight? If you wrap yourself in plastic wrap or wear tight-fitting jeans, you might feel like you've become slimmer. But all that has happened is that the fat on your abdomen has now been pushed to a different place. The real fact is that if you put too much pressure on fat, it can cause circulation problems and block toxin removal and the supply of oxygen, harming your overall health including skin and figure. ◆ If you massage your forearm fat, it goes away. Massages do not break up fat. But they can help in reducing fat caused by edema by improving capillary and lymph circulation in the region. ◆ Is gooseflesh genetic? The formal name of gooseflesh is "keratosis pilaris." It is partially genetic in that it usually happens to people with dry-skin conditions like atopy, but there are also other causes. Moisturizing liberally can help prevent the condition. ◆ Does everyone get cellulite when they gain weight? Lumpy cellulite on thighs and forearms is known to form when fat globs push through thin skin layers or when pressure is put on circulation. Besides fat, however, cellulite can be caused by hormonal changes, genetic factors and excessive dieting.