Nutrients, Anti-oxidants and Anti-Aging

What and Why

There has been much groundbreaking research lately in the area of nutrition vis a vis aging, both internal and external.  A great deal of evidence is mounting that points to the importance of certain nutrients and Antioxidants and how these can positively affect the skin, and retard or reverse aging. 

Antioxidants fight free radicals--those highly unstable, high-energy, oxygen-centered molecules that play a dire role in the aging process by damaging essential cells and wreaking general havoc in our bodies.  Left to their own devices, free rads start a chain reaction, recruiting more cells that cause more damage, increasing the risk of cancer and heart and other health problems, and of course hastening aging, inside and out. 

To the rescue come antioxidants, recently identified as a sort of free rad resistance force.  Antioxidants hold the line against the exponential growth of free radicals, and neutralize their cumulative destructive effects by stopping them from recruiting more cells.

Though we don’t yet know everything there is to know about free radicals and the role they play in cancer and other disease, the evidence suggests that incorporating anti-oxidants into your diet and skin routine is an advisable health and anti-aging practice all the more compelling because it is cheap, safe and simple.

To remember which anti-oxidants are essential, think of the key players as a resistance force called ACES.  It’s the vitamins A, C, and E, plus the mineral Selenium, that have been identified by scientists as the most effective in fighting free radicals.  At NYDG, our nutritionist can advise on which foods are rich in these powerful antioxidants. Where necessary, your diet should be supplemented with vitamins in pill form, as it is often difficult to ingest or absorb enough of the essential anti-oxidants through food alone. (For example, Vitamin E and Selenium)

The ‘ACES’ Formula (see your Dietician for Details):

Vitamin A (and Carotenoids). 2,500IU combined with beta carotene, as part of a multivitamin (not as individual ingredients, because at high levels Vitamin A can have adverse effects). Good food sources for Vitamin A include salmon, eggs, dairy, and the caretenoids: spinach, green leafy veg, kale, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, turnips, apricots, peaches, cantaloupe and cherries.  Consult the nutritionist before taking Vitamin A supplements, as there are restrictions.  (Note: Smokers should not take Vitamin A supplements.)

Vitamin C: 500-1,000 mg.  In food and supplements. 
Good food sources include leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, all fruits, especially citrus.

Vitamin E: 400 IU in supplement form, plus from food sources
Good food sources include salmon, whole grains, leafy greens, broccoli, almonds, soy, vegetable and fish oils.

Selenium: 70 mg. in supplement form, plus from food sources 
Good food sources include whole grains, bran, wheat germ, milk and yogurt.

About Topical Anti-Oxidants

Many cosmetics companies claim their creams, makeup, sunscreens and moisturizers are a viable source for anti-oxidants, but here the jury is still out.  In truth it is difficult to produce and package a topical vitamin that can remain active and be adequately absorbed through the outer layer of the skin.  Those products that can actually achieve this are typically high end and expensive.  SkinCeuticals makes an excellent, carefully formulated, active Vitamin C called Serum 15, which is packaged in a dark, light-protecting bottle with a medicine dropper.  (Another difficulty in keeping ingredients active is their susceptibility to light.)  The product is available at NYDG and costs around eighty dollars an ounce, not cheap, but many pricey products are less effective.  Generally though, cosmeceuticals, whether sold at the drugstore or at expensive cosmetics counters, do not have anti-oxidants that deliver. (Note: Cosmeceuticals, unlike pharmaceuticals, are not tested by the FDA, so there is no way to hold the packages to the promises.)

Q: What is Retin A?

A: Retin A or renova or retinoids are a natural or synthetic substance containing the Vitamin A (antioxidant) derivative trentinoin.  Used topically, they have proven very effective at fighting wrinkles, improving skin texture and reversing photoaging.  Results after continued use over a period of months are impressive.  Retin A is an FDA approved pharmaceutical (meaning it contains pharmacologically active substances, which classifies it as a drug) and is available by prescription from your dermatologist.