Let’s be honest. Americans have an obsession with looking young and beautiful. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), eyelid surgery and facelifts were two of the top five surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2014. Additionally, Botox, fillers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion were four of the five top minimally-invasive procedures of 2014.
However, plastic surgery isn’t a viable option for everyone for many and varied reasons. Moreover, the popular forms of minimally-invasive procedures are temporary fixes with scary risks, such as pain, infection, swelling and bruising. Fortunately, advancements in health and science are making it increasingly possible to look and feel younger than we are and to enhance the beauty of our appearance without expensive plastic surgery and somewhat invasive medical procedures that are the antithesis of healthy living.
In direct contrast, vitamins and supplements in capsule form are becoming increasingly popular options for many who wish to look and feel better, healthier, younger and more energetic.
Healthy Skin
We all know skin is the largest organ. So, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, chances are good no matter where one gazes upon you, they will behold some skin. And healthy skin contributes to a beautiful and youthful-looking you.
Water is your skin’s best friend. Hydrated skin is fit, younger looking skin. Without essential hydration, you skin looks dry, flaky and loose. The obvious solution is to drink lots of water. But as you age, your body finds it more difficult to hold in this essential moisture. To enhance this approach, you can take certain supplements that help hold moisture in your cells. Omega-3 fatty acids support this essential function. These fatty acids support healthy cell membranes which enable your cells to retain that all important water. They may also reduce inflammation, contributing to skin that looks and feels healthier.
Glycosaminoglycan is also a wonderful lubricant for the body. The hydrating powers of glycosaminoglycan help to increase the tension of your skin which gives it a firmer, smoother texture. Supplements help offset the lower levels caused by aging which normally leads to less skin elasticity and resilience.
Nothing adds years to a woman’s perceived age like dark spots on her arms, chest, face and hands. And if you’ve lived any of your life as a sun worshipper, another possible skin benefit of glucosamine and glycosaminoglycan is the inhibition of melanin overproduction and hyperpigmentation that would otherwise lead to freckles and “sun” spots from UV-damaged skin cells.
If water is your skin’s friend, the sun is its enemy. Try to avoid overexposure as often as you can. Of course, it’s not possible to completely avoid the sun. But thankfully, Vitamins C and E help protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer, and fight wrinkles and some of the discoloration brought on when you age. These vitamins can also improve skin appearance, making it brighter and tighter, with less dryness. Another bonus of Vitamin C is that it helps your body absorb iron, another beauty aid.
Helpful tip: To avoid morning puffiness that leads to facial sag, limit your water intake during the two hours before bedtime.
Wrinkles
So. Wrinkles – your skin’s way of reminding you that you’re getting older. There’s no limit to the number of creams, lotions and serums promising to get rid of or at least minimize the appearance of these unwelcome creases and furrows. Despite the massive amounts of money spent on this method, there’s a large consensus that states the best results are obtained from the inside out.
In support of this approach, we turn again to Omega-3’s. Demonstrating that there are even more benefits from the hydrating powers of these essential fatty acids, Omega-3’scanprevent or reduce wrinkles by helping to keep your skin moist and delaying the skin’s aging process. Some of these fatty acids also block enzymes from UV exposure that eat at collagen and cause lines and sagging skin.
Vitamin E is another repeat performance in supporting your body’s youthful properties. As an antioxidant, it attacks free-radicals which can diminish the appearance of fine lines. And to round out the anti-wrinkle healthy aging capsule brigade, Coenzyme Q10(CoQ10)is yet another effective antioxidant that fights the ravages of time. This enzyme too can diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
Hair
Dull hair? Thinning locks? Dry scalp? These too are the enemies of a youthful and beautiful countenance. But instead of throwing money at shampoos, conditioners and hair serums that seem to have an affect only on your bank account, try bulk vitamins and supplements.
Do you have thin, dry, dull hair? You might be suffering from an iron deficiency. Iron capsules can help alleviate these problems. Vitamin B12 has been shown to reduce hair loss, and a study observing men on vitamin E supplements found they grew more hair. Good old Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to shiny hair and less scalp flaking. Are you plagued with spit ends? Check your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C improves hair growth, fights dandruff and hair loss and enhances the growth of thicker, healthier hair
Bonus Beauty Tip: Vitamin B12 encourages nail growth and iron supplements encourage stronger, less brittle nails.
