3 Evidence-Based Ways To Reverse Skin Aging Naturally

Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)

A 2012 study involving 112 women found pine bark extract (PBE) to be safe and effective in significantly improving skin color and reducing pigmentation of age spots in patients with mild to moderate photoaging.

The women were randomized to either a 12-week open-label trial of 100 mg PBE supplementation once daily or a parallel-group trial of 40 mg PBE supplementation once daily. The researchers reported, "A significant decrease in clinical grading of skin photoaging scores was observed in both time courses of 100 mg daily and 40 mg daily PBE supplementation regimens."

Aloe Vera Gel

A 2009 study of 30 healthy female subjects over the age of 45 who received 2 oral doses (low-dose: 1,200 mg/d; high-dose: 3,600 mg/d) of aloe vera gel for 90 days showed remarkable results. The researchers measured clinical signs and biochemical changes of aging skin before and after supplementation and found that "After aloe gel intake, the facial wrinkles improved significantly (p<0.05) in both groups, and facial elasticity improved in the lower-dose group." They concluded: "Aloe gel significantly improves wrinkles and elasticity in photoaged human skin."

Smoking Cessation

A 2010 study evaluated the skin benefits of smoking cessation in a sample of 64 Italian women who smoked and were followed over 9 months by a team of dermatologists, psychologists, and nutritionists.

Each participant was given a clinical score to measure several criteria for skin health and appearance. Participants' skin was assessed based on the presence of lines, vascular and pigmentation status, elasticity, brightness, and texture.

These measurements were then used to determine the skin's biological age. At the beginning of the study, the average biological age of participants was 9 years older than their chronologic age. Amazingly, after 9 months of smoking cessation, the average reduction in the patient's skin's biological age was 13 years.

The health and quality of our skin reflect what's going on inside. No magic supplement will reverse the age-accelerating effects of a poor diet, a chronically stress-producing lifestyle, chemical exposures, etc. The point of the studies above is that simple nutritional interventions, e.g., a teaspoon of aloe vera, a concentrated antioxidant source, and the cessation of a daily chemical exposure, will support truly regenerative processes within the body that operate all the time and are best supported by organically produced, lovingly prepared food.

1 comment

3 Evidence-Based Ways To Reverse Skin Aging Naturally