True beauty comes from the inside

By Nucleocell | December 14, 2020 |

We are still on the subject “True beauty comes from the inside”.
In our previous blog article we discussed the skins vital functions in a little more detail, and the importance of combining topical application of cosmetics as well as a dual approach from the inside.

When I used to lecture Skin Care, one of my little jokes was that if it was seen as beneficial for you in your Food, it would eventually be found in Complementary medicines and supplements. One such example is Ginger. There is actually some rationale behind this, which we will go into a bit later.

Active ingredients used in Topical Skin Care

The below are just some of the Active ingredients used in Topical Skin Care that can contribute positively towards the Vital Skin Functions and counteract some of the ageing processes.

Ceramides
Ceramides make up the bulk of the lipid layer which holds the skin’s cells together in a firm, smooth structure. They maintain the moisture retention ability of the skin.
Enzymes
Enzymes are rather tricky to use in cosmetics due to their nature.
Essential fatty acids (EFA’s)
EFA’s are a part of the lipid layer. They help maintain the suppleness and elasticity of skin. Along with Ceramides, Oxidants, Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Vitamin A & E work harmoniously to ensure that the skin is nourished from deep within.
Oxygen delivery systems
Vitamin A & derivatives
Vitamin C & derivatives
Vitamin B (Niacinamide)
“Naturals” eg. Botanicals
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)
Anti-oxidants (AO’s) or free radical scavengers

Note on ‘’Naturals’’

‘Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better.’
Albert Einstein

In more recent years, the therapeutic properties of plants are becoming more well known. Cosmetics are including many plant extracts, herbs, flowers, fruits and seed oleates into their ingredients, allowing for a gentler, more organic approach to beauty.

Natural botanicals have the ability to detoxify, hydrate, strengthen, stimulate, relax and balance the skin and hair.

AHA’s help in exfoliation (removal) of dead cells on the surface layer of the skin. The result is often dramatic, and help to reduces fine lines, smooth and firms skin, remove blemishes, at the same time moisturize the skin.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Because of the importance of Anti Oxidants (AO’s) we will add some further explanation, as it applies to Beauty from the Inside too. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Generated by body as normal daily process;

Produced following environmental insults, such as pollution, smoke, and over exposure to elements.
ROS’s cause changes in collagen & elastin., which are important constituents of the skin.
ROS’s damage lipids & proteins in the skin, depleting natural anti-oxidants (AO) and free radical controlling systems.
AO’s neutralize free radicals & reduce damaging effects

The Red arrows above highlight some of the factors that create ROS’s, and the black arrows show some of the negative effects that the free radicals can have on the skin or in the body.

This is why it is so important to incorporate anti-oxidants into Cosmetic products, as well as into the diet. Some of the commonly known anti-oxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea extract, and many more.

Our South African biodiversity contains many plants with amazing properties, one of them being our famous Rooibos extract, which when processed correctly has amazing anti-oxidant properties.

In our next article we will delve a bit more deeply into lifestyle choices, and more about the ingredients that support True Beauty From The Inside!!