June 7, 2003

Newsletter # 44

FOR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN

TRY NUTRITIONAL PROTECTION AND NATURAL HEALING

While sunlight is necessary for vitamin D synthesis, too much sun causes the skin to age prematurely. "Most visible signs of aging, from age spots to wrinkles to a leathery texture, are not the result of the years you've lived." Says esthetician Stephanie Tourles, "but rather a result of the 'light' years you;ve received--photoaging."

When skin is exposed to sunlight--and its ultraviolet (UV) radiation--free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells) form. Free radicals break down collagen, the protein that helps give skin a firm supple appearance. When collagen is damaged, it loses its ability to support skin, which becomes stiff and inflexible, beginning to sag and wrinkle. Sunlight also cause3s a breaking down of the fat in skin cells. Through a series of chemical reactions, this fat breakdown causes inflammation, which further damages the skin.

FIGHT FREE RADICALS

To prevent and help heal free-radical damage, look for natural skin care products that contain antioxidants proven to protect against UV radiation and reverse photoaging. The mineral selenium slows the aging process of skin tissue and preserves its elasticity. Another important antioxidant, vitamin E protects cell membranes and helps deactivate free radicals. Vitamin E also reduces the production of cells that cause sunburn and those that lead to a type of skin cancer.

Of all the antioxidants that occur naturally in the skin, vitamin C is the one that's most plentiful. Needed for the production of collagen, vitamin C decreases the inflammation associated with photoaging. When applied immediately after sun exposure, this vitamin can decrease sunburn and repair damaged cells. Alpha lipoic acid is another valuable antioxidant. It helps speed healing of damaged cells, and it increases the efficacy of other antioxidants. Additional antioxidants to use include green tea, Pycnogenol, grape seed extract, rosemary, and vitamin A.

To increase the benefits of these antioxidants, it's wise also to take supplements. Supplemental vitamin C has been found to reduce UV-induced tumors in animal studies. And nutrients like collagen help rebuild skin from the inside out. "When taken internally, supplemental collagen can actually help skin produce collagen," says Jennifer Nissen, ND, manager of nutritional research at Lane Labs. "Supplemental collagen is absorbed into the lower layers of the skin where it can be used in the synthesis of the protein."

In addition, you want to eat plenty of foods high in skin-saving antioxidants and other nutrients. Broccoli and carrots are rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, and selenium; citrus fruits pack a vitamin C punch. Whole grains, sea vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, green tea, and shiitake mushrooms can help reduce the risk of cancer. A diet high in omega-3 essential fatty acids is also important in preventing skin cancer. Fish, fish oils, and flaxseed oil are high in omega 3's. Limit your use of sunflower, corn, and safflower oils, which have a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Also avoid red meat and processed foods.

GENTLE SKIN CARE

"Skin that has been damaged as a result of sun exposure can be greatly improved," says Dr. Nissen, but you'll want to be gentle. Esthetician Tourles recommends beginning with a mild cleanser that's rich in vitamins A, C, and E to feed your skin. "A few drops of spike lavender, everlasting, lemongrass, or carrot seed essential oil added to your cleanser will help strengthen the dermal layer and encourage cell renewal,' she says.

"Depending on how much damage has occurred, using the right natural product can actually repair skin and remove rough, reddish scaly spots," says Dr. Nissen. For environmentally damaged skin regular exfoliation all over the body helps combat uneven skin tone and flaky skin. Tourles recommends using an oatmeal scrub.

"A hydrating, moisturizing sunscreen should be worn every day to prevent further damage to already abused skin," Tourles adds. Antioxidant-rich moisturizers are also important. "Rosehip seed oil will help to fee, rejuvenate, tone, and support cell membrane functions within the skin," she says.

PREVENT PROBLEMS EARLY

In addition to photoaging, sun exposure causes more than 90 percent of skin cancers. The earliest stage in the development of skin cancer is the formation of actinic keratoses (AK). Scaly, rough skin lesions that appear on the outer layer of the skin characterize this condition. If left untreated, AK can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer that often spreads to other parts of the body. This cancer accounts for approximately 20 percent of all skin cancer.

The good news is that natural treatments can arrest the development of AK. "Actinic keratoses develop slowly," says Gregory E. Rauscher, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and professor of plastic surgery at New Jersey Medical School. "From what we've seen, glycoalkaloids can remove lesions permanently by exfoliating skin until the spot is gone," he says.

Glycoalkaloids are plant molecules that destroy only the damaged skin cells when used topically. "The good thing," says Dr. Nissen, "is that healthy cells are unaffected" by treatment with glycoalkaloids. "Sand brier and plants in the nightshade family contain glycoalkaloids," she says.

"If glycoalkaloids are used in the early stages of AK, they can prevent the progression of the condition," says Dr. Rauscher. As soon as skin develops any scaly, rough, or uneven patches, see a doctor and start treatment. "But skin should not be re-exposed to the sun," he adds. "If skin continues to receive excessive sun exposure, lesions could return. And the skin would have to be retreated."

SELECTED SOURCES

· Drop Dead Gorgeous by Kim Erickson

· Naturally Healthy Skin by Stephanie Tourles

· Smart Medicine For Your Skin by Jeanette Jacknin, MD

· The Wrinkle Cure by Nicholas Perricone, MD

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