Tag Archive for: vitamins

Niacinamide is made up of a combination vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, and it’s a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. It is a vitamin that has excellent clinicals to substantiate its benefit in almost every skin condition and here’s what you need to know about it and why you should be using it.

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Image via StyleCaster

The Benefits:

  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Enhance skin barrier function
  • Reduce pigmentation
  • Elevate skin tone and texture
  • Minimize the depth and appearance of fine lines

How it works:

Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 that offers major barrier protection to the skin and suppresses melanin from reaching the surface of the skin and protects the skin from further UV damage. Too much melanin (which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for both its color the skin’s absorption of UV rays) can result in age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation. According to a study done by Proctor and Gamble, data revealed that 5% Niacinamide applied to the face for 12 weeks resulted in reductions of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved.

“Topical application of Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis” according to the British Journal of Dermatology in 2000.

Studies have also indicated niacinamide to be soothing and an anti-inflammatory, proving beneficial in the treatment of rosacea and acne solving properties.

Bottom line; it’s a powerhouse ingredient that works wonders for multiple skin behaviors and concerns.

Check out Wake Up Call and Hands To Heart from Goldfaden MD which both contain Niacinamide.

Taking vitamins and eating foods high in vitamins is the most efficient way to stay healthy inside. The skin is the last area that those vitamins and foods will reach. We sat down with Dr. Goldfaden to get his break down of vitamins and other super foods for both inside health and outside beauty.

1. We know what vitamin C does for your skin, but what are the 1-2 most crucial things it can do for your body (when ingested)?

Vitamin C is arguably the most important vitamin due to all its capabilities internally and externally. While it is hard to choose 1-2 of the most     crucial jobs this vitamin has, it is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and supports the immune system and helps make collagen in the body.

2. Quinoa which contains Riboflavin is incredibly healthy to eat and one of the newest ingredients in anti-aging skincare. What is Riboflavin and   what other foods can it be found in?

Riboflavin is Vitamin B2. Usually B2 is combined with another type of Vitamin B, such as Niacinimide (B3), when formulated in skincare products. Foods and ingredients that are high in Vitamin B2 are almonds, oily fish, cheese, spinach, mushrooms, sesame seed and chia seeds (see below)

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Image via Nadine Greef

Eating super foods is important for a healthy balanced diet but using them topically in skincare products can be beneficial to the skin as well. A few to look for:

Kale

Kale is high in vitamins A, C and K. Kale protects/fights against free radical damage reduces inflammation and detoxifies the skin. Vitamin A aids in rebuilding skin and Vitamin K helps to diminish dark under eye circles and puffiness.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are high in Omega 3- an omega fatty acid. Chia seed oil hydrates and can also help acne prone skin. Chia seeds contain vitamins B3, B2 and Zinc, which is high in anti-aging benefits.

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Photo via Gourmand in the Kitchen

Yogurt

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is beneficial in exfoliation (removing dead skin cells), fighting/reversing pigmentation and promoting collagen production. Yogurt is a great at-home way to target the above mentioned issues.

The newest ingredient out

White Birds of Paradise. Strelitzia Nicolai or Giant White Bird of Paradise seed extract increases skin luminosity while improving hydration and smoothness. A native South African plant, it belongs to the plant family Sterilitzia. In South Africa it is commonly called the crane flower and is featured on the back of the 50 cent coin. White Birds of Paradise are found in all of our new Plant Profusion collection, as it is one of the main ingredients in our proprietary complex, PURFLORA. White birds of paradise is a multifunctional ingredient that works to restore skin’s youthful appearance by reducing uneven skin pigmentation, dull, lackluster complexion resulting in an increased illuminated glow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stressed, can’t sleep, depressed, feeling anxious? These are the complaints that send people running to their Doctor looking for a miracle cure. One in ten Americans takes an anti-depressant. For women ages 40-50 the number is one in four. That is an alarming jump in the past decade. With the popular belief being an anti-depressant or Xanax just takes the ‘edge off’, more and more people are going on them. The issue is these are serious drugs that are habit forming and difficult to ween off of. Before you go running to your Doctor for a prescription take a look at some natural alternatives to staying mentally and physically healthy and feeling good.

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Photo via DIY Ready

Ashwagandha is a plant which roots and berries are used for medicinal purposes. Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means horse smell, which got its name due to the smell of the root resembling the smell of a horse. Ashwagandha is also frequently called ‘Winter Cherry’ or in the Ayurvedic world ‘Indian Ginseng’. Ashwagandha can be taken in liquid form or in capsules and is said to help with many ailments such as arthritis, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, menstrual issues and chronic liver disease. It has also been responsible in helping increase sexual desire in both men and women and fertility in women. It ca also aid in concentration ability and lower cholesterol. Ashwagandha also contains chemicals that can calm the brain down, reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure and alter the immune system. This is a great alternative to drugs like Xanax or sedatives, while also being a great replacement for high blood pressure meds. However, if you’re already on these medications you should discuss with your Doctor first and then stop taking them first. The Ashwagandha can interfere with many western prescription drugs.

More well known than Ashwagandha is St. John’s Wort. Often being used and advertised for depression this herb offers more than just that. St. John’s Wort is native to Europe but now farmed in Australia where 20% of the world’s supply comes from. St. Johns Wort is an herb that is found in forests and meadows. The flowers and leaves are what is used to make the actual medicine which can be made into an oil(for topical use), capsules or liquid drops. The main uses of this herb are for depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, moods associated with menopause and SAD. St. John’s Wort contains the phytochemical hyperforin and hypericin, both of which act on chemical messengers in the brain and nervous system to regulate mood. As mentioned St. Johns Wort can also be made into an oil and applied topically for issues such as bruises, inflammation, muscle pain, burns, bug bites and hemorrhoids. However, when using topically be sure to stay out of the sun as skin will be sensitive to light. This is also why the oil will come in a dark or amber colored jar.

Rhodiola, Golden root or Rose root is another terrific plant to add into your diet. Rhodiola plant grows at high altitudes which makes it very strong and powerful. This root is used for enhancing physical energy and performance.  Considered an Adaptogen, Rhodiola is different than a stimulant like caffeine or amphetamines, while still boosting mood and energy levels. Sometimes found in energy drinks, many professional athletes use this natural enhancer. Rhodiola helps to oxygenate the brain and muscles which makes them work better and quicker. This root is extremely beneficial for stamina, energy increase, athletic recovery, irregular heart beat and high cholesterol.

Always discuss the switch from western medicine to medicinal herbs with your doctor. Mother nature is the best medicine cabinet, so when choosing your medicine take a look at what your local health food store offers in the way of herbal supplements and vitamins as well as what you’re putting into your body for food. Stay happy + healthy!