There’s lots you could do topically to reduce and reverse the thinning and fine lines associated with the aging of the skin. The most important strategies for keeping the body’s largest organ youthful and healthy looking, as the years go by, are internal. Sugar breaks down collagen and connective tissue. So, enjoying a low carb low calorie diet is important. Staying away from inflammatory processed foods and allergens is also a must.
There’s lots of nutritional supplements that support skin beauty and have anti-aging benefits including both omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, zinc, MSM sulfur and vitamins A, C and E. One of the more underappreciated skin nutrients is the ubiquitous element silicon, a critical gene and enzyme activator that turns on the production of anti-wrinkle and wound healing collagen and elastin.
Silicon also plays a role in the production of keratin and sufficient intake is a must for strong nails and hair. Unfortunately, while silicon is found abundantly in the earth’s crust, it’s usually locked up with oxygen in the form of sand and unavailable for use by biological systems. Plants have an ability to release silicon from silica and grains, fruits and veggies, in that order, are loaded with the critical element.
Beer, bananas and green beans are particularly good sources, but the best way to assure a good supply of bioavailable silicon is to supplement with a silica derivative. Find some orthosilicic acid or OSA, which is available in most health food stores, in various skin hair and nail formulas and as a liquid silica gel.
