WHAT FOODS ARE THE MOST POWERFUL FOR CREATING CLEAR SKIN?

There are so many contributing factors to a clear complexion that it is hard to talk about every herbal remedy that could potentially benefit the skin. However, there are a few herbal remedies that stand out as contenders in the skin healthcare sector.

Turmeric: The polyphenol in turmeric, known as curcumin, is well-known for its effectiveness as an herbal remedy in various inflammatory diseases like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. However, its benefits also extend to skin health. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation in cases of psoriasis and has been found to improve wound healing.

Grape seed extract: In the extracts of grape skin and seeds is a powerful antioxidant known as oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC). It is this antioxidant property that provides grape seed extract with its ability to protect the skin from UVB radiation exposure-induced skin diseases.

Camellia sinensis: Also known as tea, Camellia sinensis, is a healthy part of any lifestyle due to its antioxidant properties. An animal study looked at the effects of water extracts of white, black, and green tea on skin of mice. Study results show that the polyphenol antioxidants in tea reduced epidermal thickness and increased collagen and elastin content of the skin, which shows a protective effect against UVB-induced skin aging. Furthermore, a 2017 study revealed green tea extract to be a protective herbal remedy against UV radiation-induced skin aging.

Echinacea: Commonly linked with helping relieve cold symptoms, Echinacea also has potential for a skin care herbal remedy. Echinacea has been found to exhibit ani-inflammatory properties as well as immune system stimulating properties that show promise for application in skin care. Studies have shown positive results in studies of wound healing and acne as well as UV photoprotection of the skin. Upon further clinical study in humans, Echinacea may be an integral herbal remedy in skin care.

Therefore, it may be time to add some herbs to your skin care regimen. However, when going out in the sun, be sure to use any herbal remedies alongside of a mineral-based zinc oxide sunscreen for optimal UV protection.

References:

Di Nardo, V., et al. (January 2018) “Use of Curcumin in Psoriasis.” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(1): 218-220.

Katiyar, S.K., Pal, H.C., and Prasad, R. (October 2017) “Dietary proanthocyanidins prevent ultraviolet radiation-induced non-melanoma skin cancer through enhanced repair of damaged DNA-dependent activation of immune sensitivity.” Seminars in Cancer Biology, 46: 138-145.

Lee, K.O., Kim, S.N., and Kim, Y.C. (December 2014) “Anti-wrinkle Effects of Water Extracts of Teas in Hairless Mice.” Toxicological Research, 30(4): 283-289.

Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Rafiee, E., Mehrabian, A., and Feily, A. (2014) “Skin wound healing and phytomedicine: a review.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(6): 303-310.

Roh, E., et al. (May 2017) “Molecular mechanisms of green tea polyphenols with protective effects against skin photoaging.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(8): 1631-1637.

Sharma, M., Schoop, R., Suter, A., and Hudson, J.B. (April 2011) “The potential use of Echinacea in acne: control of Propionibacterium acnes growth and inflammation.” Phytotherapy Research, 25(4): 517-521.