Diet for Better Skin Health

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: January 29, 2010, from the February 2010 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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Ingredients for Skin Health
Simpson noted ingredients that benefit the skin, including essential fatty acids, omega-3 rich marine oils, foods such as berries and beta carotene in fruits and vegetables, and flaxseed oils for inflammation control. She also commented on the benefits of fiber. “Fiber leaches toxins from the digestive system and eliminates them before they can be absorbed by the bloodstream. There is a direct link between toxicity and dull, blemish-prone skin.”

Through her work with Isocell, Simpson has learned of the skin benefits of a naturally occurring superoxide dismutase (SOD) derived from Cucumus melo (melon) that is coated in vegetal prolamine (wheat gliadin), which she reports promotes its delivery into the small intestine mucosa. Of the ingredient, known as Glisodin, she commented, “The material is an antioxidant that neutralizes all forms of free radicals that cause accelerated aging, whereas resveratrol and other antioxidants can only target certain types of free radicals.”

Nutricosmetic Challenges
Simpson finds that some applications of nutricosmetics are not as effective as others, critiquing the recent launch of a collagen-building coffee as an example. “Coffee is a diuretic, so it is going to dehydrate the skin ... It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Asia and Europe have well-established nutricosmetic markets, according to Simpson; however, North American consumers have not yet embraced how nutrition can benefit the skin. “The North American market is a ‘quick fix’ society. There is an obvious interest in nutrition, but consumers are looking for more of a quick answer,” commented Simpson.

The future of the nutricosmetic market looks bright, in Simpson’s eyes. “The consumer is becoming more educated and aware of the direct link between nutrition and beauty.” She predicts that the future of nutricosmetics lies in protecting the skin from environmental stress and in optimizing dermal healing.