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The Anti-Aging Powers of Plant-Derived Vitamin A

The connection between our internal health and skin is undeniable. There is something obvious, yet profound that affects the health of our internal organs, glands and systems on a consistent basis – our diets. The effect of certain nutrients on skin aging has been an interesting field of study, from ancient times to modern times. Considering the matrix of the skin, our diets can be a source of regenerative fuel for healthy, youthful skin. Regardless of the skin issues or concerns you have, one particular nutrient you will come across in your study is Vitamin A. This antioxidant vitamin plays a major role in the health of your skin. Everything from acne, wrinkles, brown spots, hyper-pigmentation, to large pores can all be treated with the proper use of Vitamin A and with amazing results. In fact, as a potent antioxidant, Vitamin A can communicate with injured skin cells and assist them back to normal operation – a process referred to as DNA or cellular repair. No matter your skin ailment, the use of Vitamin A will give your skin a far better chance of recovery. However, before you run to the supplement aisle, keep in mind that not all Vitamin A products are created equally. In this article, we want to share with you why it’s so important to use natural plant-derived Vitamin A as an anti-aging compound.

Uncovering the Link Between Nutrients & Skin Aging

Let’s talk about skin aging and the details of how nutrients affect the skin. The process of skin aging consists of two didactically independent, biological processes. The first is intrinsic skin aging, which represents the internal factors in skin aging. These include factors like the biological aging of the cells and internal organs, disease, free radical damage, inflammation, and the physiological processes that affect skin health. The second is extrinsic skin aging, which involves the external factors that affect skin aging, including environmental toxins, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, radiation, smoking, sleep and nutrition. While seemingly independent, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors have a similar effect on the skin, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation and the aging of the skin cells. A well-managed lifestyle including proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress reduction, and skin-care routine can greatly reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress and thereby improve the health of the skin and promote anti-aging. Additionally, the use of topical, anti-oxidant substances is an effective way to neutralize the effects of free radicals in the environment. Of the frequently researched antioxidants, there is a special class of nutrients that reign supreme; those are the carotenoids (Vitamin A). Carotenoids have been referred to as agents capable of promoting skin health and beauty. Let’s take a moment to explore the beneficial anti-aging effects of these special compounds.

Skin Benefits of Plant-Derived Vitamin A (Galactomannan)

The term “cosmeceuticals” refer to natural cosmetics with therapeutic, medicinal benefits due to their bioactive contents. While a variety of natural substances fall into this category, one of the more impressive cosmeceuticals is plant-derived Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be found in various leafy plants, like kale, collards and alfalfa. An extract of organic alfalfa contains a bioactive compound known as galactomannan, which possesses retinol-like activities. In fact, studies have found that galactomannan fraction has the ability to enlightening the skin and protect it from oxidative stress and photoaging, indicating its profound cosmeceutical effects on skin health. Anti-aging, Antioxidant Activity: Antioxidant assays have discovered that galactomannan is capable of reducing the oxidative damage of free radicals while protecting the skin against photodamage. Anti-Photoaging, Anti-Wrinkle Activity: According to one anti-photoaging activity assay, it was found that plant-derived galactomannan improved skin cells resilience to UV stress. In a study, skin cells were exposed to UVB to induce photoaging condition, and the galactomannan fraction greatly reduced the cell viability to photoaging and improved recovery to wrinkle condition. In addition to its beneficial effects on the skin, a plant-derived extract provides its therapeutic, retinol-like actions without irritating the skin like other popular topical retinol. Another benefit of topical retinol is that it will bypass the digestive system, and be absorbed into the system via retinol skin receptors for utilization.

Finding and Using Natural Plant-Derived Vitamin A

Retinol products are not all created equal. Chemical-based retinol products on the market are often referred to as anti-aging creams or acne creams. However, these products often contain harsh parabens and BHT which come with unwanted side effects. For example, the conventional oral retinoid acne medication Accutane is known to cause birth defects and liver toxicity. Other topical retinoids, like prescription tretinoin, can cause precancerous lesions, increase sensitivity to UV rays and increase photoaging. For a quality source of retinol be sure to try our Gold Serum. It contains a plant-derived retinol, contains no carcinogens, or other harsh toxic ingredients. Additionally, it comes packed with other clinically backed, natural, anti-aging, ingredients that can help maintain wrinkle-free skin. Do you use anti-aging creams? Share with us in the comments below!