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Isn’t it intuitive to think that diet can play a role in taking care of our appearance, as it does with internal organs? Couldn’t it influence the quality of our skin or hair? Could products from our diet help to restore the lost balance in our appearance?

Today I want to talk to you about nutricosmeticsa weapon that properly used can bring us many benefits. They are food products, i.e. natural substances of animal or vegetable origin usually contained in foodstuffs, with which a cosmetic benefit is sought. are not medicines: we should not think of them as a cure for diseases, but as an extra element for the care of our physical appearance in addition to a healthy diet, exercise and sun protection.

But are the extra contributions necessary? Isn’t what we eat in our diet enough? It should be with a balanced diet that provides all the nutrients. The reality is that we lack the necessary knowledge to plan a good diet, at other times lack of time or work obligations force us to resort to less healthy options, perhaps the change in farmland or animal feed influences the composition of food … that is why we resort to supplements in an attempt to regain the benefits that would bring a healthy, complete and adapted diet.

Although there are many fields in which nutricosmetics can act, I want to focus on substances that can help us delay aging. You will find a selection of some very well known and others with which we are not so familiar, but which have been used for a long time and have very interesting properties.

Selenium inhibits the action of free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and delaying skin aging. It is important to know that it acts synergistically with vitamin E, also with antioxidant power. It also protects cell membranes and acts at the level of the skin’s protective barrier.

Another antioxidant is vitamin C, this effect is enhanced if taken together with vitamins A and E. It also intervenes in the synthesis of collagen and fibroblasts, hence its anti-aging properties.

Coenzyme Q10 is part of intracellular metabolic processes, more specifically in the mitochondria. With age and the consumption of some medications, it may be diminished, so supplementation may become necessary.

Resveratrol is a compound found in various plant species (such as grapes, cocoa, blueberries and blackberries) and is believed to have antioxidant effects. Several studies show that they act against free radicals.

Green tea has antioxidant activity thanks to its polyphenolic compounds: it inhibits the formation of free radicals by sparing physiological antioxidants.

Carotenoids encompass a group of substances (beta-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, lutein…) derived from vitamin A, which are responsible for the red, orange or yellow pigmentation of many fruits and vegetables. They have a great antioxidant power with beneficial effects on the skin and the eye: as protection against ultraviolet radiation or degeneration of ocular structures.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (including omega-3 and omega-6) form part of cell membranes, have anti-inflammatory activity and appear to be beneficial in disorders such as acne or psoriasis.

Pycnogenol® is a substance marketed in the USA that is extracted from the bark of Pinus pinaster, although it can also be obtained from grapes and hazelnuts. It protects collagen and elastin from degradation, stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, can improve the appearance of blemishes and improves microcirculation, thus facilitating the delivery of nutrients to the tissues.

Açai is a berry with excellent antioxidant properties. It is native to the Amazon and grows from the Euterpe oleracea palm tree. It is high in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C and E, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9. These berries cannot be consumed directly and need to be processed to obtain their maximum nutritional benefit.

Beauty means being able to show our best “me”: taking care of our appearance is a long-distance race that is the result of integral care.

trust your dermatologist to bring out the best in you!!!!

Dr. Beatriz Fleta