LAKEWOOD, Colo.,
June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural
Grocers recently conducted a survey of its Nutritional Health
Coaches* to find out what they do to protect their skin from sun
damage during the summer months. With over 100 responses from
nutritionists across the country, the results revealed three of the
most recommended nutrients as well as strategies for using mineral
sunscreens without wearing the chalky "ghost-look" to the
beach.
Here are the top three nutrients recommended by nutrition
professionals to protect your skin from the inside-out this
summer.
74% recommended carotenoids such as
astaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene
41%
recommended OPCs from pine bark and grape seed extract
38% recommended the omega-3 fatty acids EPA &
DHA
*Respondents were allowed to select more than one
nutrient, so the results will not add up to 100%.
How do These Nutrients Support Skin
Health?
We all know that putting on sunscreen
when going out in the sun is important. However, you may be
surprised to learn that the nutrients in your skin, or the lack
thereof, can determine how well or poorly your skin responds to sun
exposure. The right nutrients at optimal levels can protect the
skin, support the healing process and are necessary to maintain
moisture and elasticity. Carotenoids, especially astaxanthin
lycopene and lutein, support skin health when it is exposed to the
sun by actually absorbing some of the sun's harmful rays (UV
radiation and blue light) which minimizes the damage these harmful
rays can inflict on the skin.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) are
protective compounds that shield the skin from the oxidative damage
caused by the sun's rays—by destroying free radicals that are
created when skin is exposed to sunlight. Sun exposure can result
in long term changes to the skin's collagen, known as photoaging,
in which the skin develops wrinkles. This is due to changes in the
structure and elasticity of the collagen found in a deep layer of
skin called the dermis. OPCs protect and strengthen collagen,
making it less susceptible to photoaging.
The omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, found in fish oil
promote a healthy inflammatory response to sunlight. In fact,
research has shown that EPA and DHA supplements can
provide sunburn relief. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause the
skin to lose moisture as well as essential oils, leaving it dry,
flaky and prematurely wrinkled, even in younger people. In addition
to their inflammation modulating functions, EPA and DHA help the
skin retain moisture, promoting smooth healthy looking
skin.
Together, these three families of nutrients work in
synergy to provide internal sun defense and support healthy, smooth
skin. Furthermore these compounds do not seem to block the skin's
ability to make vitamin D upon exposure to sunlight, but still
provide sun
defense.i
The #1 Recommended Nutrient for Skin Health --
Astaxanthin
Out of all the nutrients listed,
astaxanthin was the number one recommended nutrient in our survey
of nutrition professionals, with 53% of survey responders
recommending this pink-colored carotenoid. Astaxanthin has been
extensively studied for its ability to be deposited in the skin and
absorb the sun's harmful rays. These studies have found that
supplementation for as little as 2 weeks increases the amount of
time a person can spend in the sun without getting burned, though
most studies use the supplements for about 8
weeks.ii iii
Mineral Sunscreens Without the
"Ghost-Look"
If you're going to be out in the
sun for extended periods of time it is still important to use
sunscreen. Because chemical-based sunscreens can damage human
health and also are very problematic for sensitive coral reefs,
there has been a significant increase in demand for reef-friendly
mineral-based natural sunscreens that provide a physical barrier
(rather than a chemical barrier) against the
sun.iv
The downside to these mineral based
sunscreens? Some of them may leave you looking a
little chalky because they tend to stay on top layers of the skin.
The same nutrition experts who answered our survey also gave tips
on how to minimize the chalky appearance left by these sunscreens.
Top tips included: using a moisturizing lotion or even using olive
oil or coconut oil to help the sunscreen rub in better and also
patting the sunscreen spreading it around. Many people responded
that they had personal favorite brands that don't leave an
excessive chalky appearance and they are loyal to those products as
well.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and its
special ability to take up and concentrate skin-protective
nutrients is nothing short of amazing. This simple fact emphasizes
how important consuming these compounds is for skin health. So with
the longest day of the year approaching, don't be afraid to get
outside and enjoy the sunshine, just make sure you've been
consuming plenty of carotenoids, OPCs, and fish oil and you're
equipped with a safe and environmentally friendly
sunscreen.
*Natural Grocers' Nutritional Health
Coaches are highly trained nutrition specialists who
support customers by offering complimentary services such as
science-based nutrition classes, cooking demonstrations and
one-on-one health coaching sessions.
Written by Jonathan
Clinthorne, Ph.D. Manager of Scientific Affairs &
Nutrition Education
Jonathan F. Clinthorne,
PhD., is an ultra-endurance athlete trained in immunology and
expert in human nutrition. Clinthorne has served on numerous
medical advisory boards and has authored a number of research
papers covering topics such as probiotics, immune function,
inflammation and human nutrition.
Jonathan's mission is to help make free science-backed
nutrition education available to everyone and reduce our dependence
on pharmaceutical drugs. Jonathan has been seen on Fox TV, Forbes,
Ultra Running Magazine, Runner's World and Organic
Authority.
About Natural Grocers by Vitamin
Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage,
Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is
a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural
groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a
flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free,
science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make
informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has more
than 3,000 employees and operates 138 stores in 19
states.
i
Carracosa JM, Floriach N, Sala E, Aguilera J. Increase in
Minimal Erythemal Dose Following Oral Administration of an
Antioxidant Complex Based on Carotenoids: Double-blind,
Placebo-Controlled Trial. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed.
2017;
epub
ii
https://www.cyanotech.com/bioastin/library.html
iii
Wood SM, Mastaloudis AG, Hester SN, Gray R, Kern D, Namkoong
J, Draelos ZD. Protective effects of a novel nutritional and
phytonutrient blend on ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage
and inflammatory response through aging defense mechanisms. Journal
of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2016;
1-9
iv
https://cdhc.noaa.gov/_docs/Site%20Bulletin_Sunscreen_final.pdf
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SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.