We are finally at the peak of summer and the UV index is no joke! Itās more important than ever to protect yourself from critical sun damage, as photoaging (aging caused by sun exposure) is the main cause of hyperpigmentation and can even lead to an increased risk of cancer.Ā How are you protecting yourself from those powerful sun rays? SPF is a great place to start, but supporting collagen production and incorporating certain antioxidants into your diet might just be the key to longevity, especially when paired with a solid skincare regimen. Letās look at the science behind skin damage and internal skin support for a holistic approach to solar defense.
On a cellular level, what exactly causes skin damage?
Photodamage is so bad for the skin because it starts to break down how our individual cells repair themselves. This breakdown is invisible at first but over time, more and more damage bubbles to the surface in the form of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even dryness. When our skin is enduring sun damage, it releases free radicals into our systems. These free radicals result in oxidative stress by basically attacking healthy cells and āstealingā their electrons. This can ultimately damage our DNA and start to break down the structure of the skin barrier, as cells lose their ability to retain water. This decreased hydration is what truly leads to visible aging and discoloration.
How can I protect my skin cells from oxidative stress?
While sunscreen is an excellent external source of protection, building up your internal defenses is a great way to take your skin support to the next level. New studies have shown a correlation between certain vitamins that can repair the skin by targeting the visible signs of photoaging. Specifically, Vitamin C and Vitamin E have been shown to improve dullness, hyperpigmentation, and dryness. They also benefit overall hydration and collagen production. But the most powerful tools go beyond the visible and build upon our internal defense system. Thatās where important antioxidants that counteract and fight free radicals come into play.Ā
The Free Radical Fighters
Three strong and all natural antioxidants that serve as free radical fighters are ellagic acid, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and pycnogenol. These antioxidants work by collecting and neutralizing free radicals, boosting collagen production and elasticity, increasing natural hyaluronic acid production, and supporting cell hydration. But where can you find these supplemental powerhouses? Ellagic is the key compound found in pomegranate husks (which are obviously not the tasty part of the fruit), and would require almost 10 pomegranates to see their benefits. While OPCs and Pycnogenol come in high doses when extracted from pine bark.Ā
Itās clear that these three antioxidant skin boosters are hard to come by from diet alone, which is why weāve simplified and amplified your daily dose with a Pomegranate Extract Supplement and a Pine Bark Superfood Powder. This solar defense pairing is easy to integrate into your daily routine. And right now, weāre offering them at 20% OFF when you purchase them together. Give these a try and see for yourself just why this bundle is our go-to for healthier, stronger, and happier skin, today and everyday.
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