Non-Medical Techniques: Antioxidants and Sun-block
Although all these treatments have been proven effective, they are not all
inexpensive and long-lasting. Preventive practices and measures are still the
proven gold standard to keeping father time from making his mark on you and
your skin. Antioxidants, sun-block, lotion, keeping well hydrated, and other
preventive measures will help make needing surgery or other procedures a
distant prospect.
Green Tea - A Sunblock and an Antioxidant
Green tea is almost a victim of its own success. Its antioxidant properties
have become so well known that it appears in just about every lotion and potion
out there. Just as we were in danger of becoming complacent, there is a new
reason venerate this humble leaf. Scientists have discovered that it is an
effective sunscreen - even at low doses.
It has been known for sometime (with a body of literature to back it up)
that green tea can protect the skin from UV rays. This is because it contains
catechins. These are signaling molecules that belong to the flavenoid family.
About 25% of the weight of a tea leaf is accounted for by catechins. The most
abundant type of catechin in green tea is called epigallocatechin gallate
(EGCG) and this is the one that provides sun protection.
In the past, researchers thought that high doses of topical green tea
needed to be applied to have any effect. These solutions have a green brown
color and can stain, making them impractical for cosmetic use. Now Swiss
researchers have looked at the effects of low concentrations of green tea
extracts over a sustained period of time. They concluded that 0.4% extract of
green tea applied over a five week period exhibited significant
photochemoprotective effects.
This means that every time we slather on our daily antioxidant with its
ubiquitous smattering of green tea, we are getting some form of sun protection.
The same catechin is responsible for green tea extract's anti-aging
properties. ECGC blocks collagen 'crosslinking' that accelerates the aging of
cells. In Korea, researchers applied a 10% concentration of EGCG to aged human
skin threetimes a week for six weeks and noted that the result was increased
the epidermal thickness.
Drinking green tea daily is credited with everything from weight loss (this
seems to be proven) to preventing dental decay. Green tea's preventative
effects against cancer are well documented. There is also research that
long-term drinking of green tea protects the structure of the erythrocytes
membrane in skin cells that are normally disturbed by the process of getting
old.
Antioxidants and Sunscreen
The Dynamic Duo
Every skin rejuvenation routine should include this dynamic duo, a powerful
antioxidant and sunscreen, to consistently protect and heal the skin from sun
damage.
There are a number of ways to incorporate this dynamic duo, antioxidants
and sunscreen.
The first is to use a moisturizer with a good quality antioxidant ingredient
along with a sunscreen component.
That way every morning when you apply your moisturizer, you also add protection
against the sun.
Incorporate anti-aging treatments to nourish and heal the skin while
protecting against further damage.
Another option is to layer your skin care treatments. Complete your usual
routine but make sure that you include an antioxidant product whether that is a
toner or moisturizer.
As your final step, apply a sunscreen or sunblock. Remember that it is
critical to reapply regularly throughout the day, especially if you will be
spending time out in direct sun.
Daily replenishment of topical antioxidants provides the skin with an
arsenal to deflect the assault and minimize the damage created by free radicals
is essential.
Topical antioxidants improve skin health
Antioxidants and sunscreen work in concert, reinforcing the other's ability
to protect the skin from the potentially damaging effects of the sun.
Sunscreen, as the
name implies, screens out the skin damaging rays of the sun while sunblock
actually blocks the sun damaging rays from reaching the skin.
A good sun product
should screen or block against both UVA and UVB rays. Protecting the skin from
the sun significantly reduces free radical activity which thrive in over
exposure to sunlight. You don't want that!
Free radicals work to
break down the collagen and elastin in the skin which in turn causes the skin
to wrinkle, sag, and produce more melanin which in turn increases the
occurrence of age spots.
Give your skin the
most armor possible by using both antioxidants and sunscreen. That way you will
achieve the equivalent protection of a well protected bunker rather than a
camouflage net.
What some neglect to
do is remember to reapply a sunscreen product every few hours throughout the
day. Once a day just isn't enough, especially if you are out in the sun.
