When we think of skincare, we often only think of the products we put on our face, but truly healthy skin goes much deeper. Our skin is our largest organ, and is greatly impacted by what our body absorbs both topically and orally. One of the greatest contributing factors to the way our skin looks and feels is our gut health.
A healthy gut biome is associated with improved skin health as well as linked to decreasing skin inflammation. The gut and skin are uniquely related in function, mainly through maintaining homeostasis of both organs. They are also related in the pathophysiology of many inflammatory disorders. By influencing the signaling pathways that are essential to skin homeostasis, the gut microbiome impacts integumentary health. Put simply, a healthy gut = healthy skin, and by controlling inflammation in our gut, we can aid in controlling inflammation in our skin.
Diet can play a huge role in inflammation, but another piece is extrinsic aging brought on by tobacco, nutritional deficiencies, alcohol, stress, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, etc. These factors impact the oxidative stress by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species commonly referred to as free radicals. Free radical production damages skin cells and leads to a degradation of collagen and elastin, responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. This degradation combined with UV exposure leads to an overproduction of melanin which results in hyperpigmentation and complexion dullness.
So how to we combat these things in a way that heals our bodies, instead of just treats our symptoms? Antioxidants and supplementation.
As the first line of cell defense against oxidative stress, antioxidants lower the oxidative stress by becoming "scavengers", which neutralize reactive oxygen species (that are produced during normal cell production as well as during oxidative stress), which prevents cellular damage and enhances skin protection and repair. Most common antioxidants known are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E.
Since your skin absorbs everything you put on it (the good and the bad), using topical products with natural ingredients that are high in antioxidants is an incredible option for healing your skin.
A few of our topical antioxidant products include:
1. Glow Vitamin C Serum: Our Glow Vitamin C Serum contains a variety of powerful antioxidants like ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin c, and Kakadu Plum extract that aid in protecting skin from environmental factors that accelerate aging (UV damage, pollutants, etc.), correcting hyperpigmentation, stimulating collagen production, and brightening dull skin.
2. Prime Niacinamide Serum: Our Prime Niacinamide Serum is packed with natural vitamins and skin protectant factors like hyaluronic acid, peony root extract, green tea extract, licorice root extract, niacinamide, and pea peptides. This serum doubles as a hydrating layer and antioxidant protection serum to leave your skin looking smooth and flawless. (and it's a great alternative option if you're sensitive to vitamin C serums!)
In addition to topical antioxidants, I also recommend oral antioxidants because of their other organ benefits listed below:
Spirulina: Spirulina is an antioxidant that is considered "super food" because:
✔️ it is a complete protein
✔️ it contains essential amino acids (including glycine and proline, which support the body's collagen production) and omega-3 fatty acids
✔️ it's rich in vitamins and minerals including iron and B vitamins
✔️ it's linked to improving gut microbiome and fighting free radicals which can cause skin damage and collagen breakdown.
✔️ the active ingredient in spirulina, phycocyanin, helps to activate cellular antioxidant activity. (Our Fortiphy Cleansing Balm contains spirulina for these reasons!)
Selenium: Selenium is a potent antioxidant that has been linked to protecting against heart disease due to decreasing levels of inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that crosses the blood / brain barrier (BBB) and has been linked to protecting brain cells against Alzheimer's Disease. As a neurology pharmacy specialist, this is something I've been taking daily for years!
Psyllium Husk: Psyllium Husk is a soluable fiber that can play an important role in maintaining regularity and gastrointestinal health. Healthy gut = healthy skin!
Below are a few additional supplements I recommend for gut health and healing your skin from the inside out:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (focused on EPA/DHA concentrations, which are two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids) have been linked to protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays. They improve skin barrier function, as well as increase skin hydration. This is specifically important for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Most studies show a significant link between taking omega-3 fatty acids and improved eye, heart and brain health.
Calcium with Vitamin D3: Calcium plays a key role in bone and teeth health, and is vital as a cell-to-cell messenger for stimulating enzymes and hormones, as well as muscle contraction and nervous system functionality. For the skin, calcium is integral in maintaining skin barrier function and repair, as well as homeostasis.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to send me a DM on Instagram, or shoot me an email at info@emogeneandco.com.
