Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women

Nutritional factors play a key role in normal functioning of the skin, the body's largest organ. However, little is known about the effects of diet on skin-aging appearance. Recent research indicates that higher intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and lower intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance.

Using data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I), scientists examined associations between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women between the ages of 40 and 74 years. Clinical examinations of the skin were conducted by dermatologists. Skin-aging appearance was defined as having a wrinkled appearance, dryness associated with aging (senile dryness), and skin atrophy (shriveling or shrinking).

Higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance. Higher linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid) intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of senile dryness and skin atrophy. A higher than average fat and carbohydrate intake also increased the likelihood of a wrinkled appearance and skin atrophy. These associations were independent of age, race, education, sunlight exposure, income, menopausal status, body mass index, supplement use, physical activity, and energy intake.

Elevated intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and reduced intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance. Promoting healthy dietary behaviors may have added benefit for the appearance of skin in addition to other beneficial health outcomes in the population.

Source: Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women, Cosgrove et al, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol. 86, No. 4, 1225-1231, October 2007

USANA Health Sciences receives U.S. patent on exclusive self-preserving technology for skin care and beauty products

Image: USANA Health Sciences

- Technology Offers Long-Sought Alternative to Artificial, Paraben Preservatives -



SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:USNA - News) received notice of an official patent, to be released at 10:00am EST from the United States Patent & Trademark Office, for its exclusive self-preserving technology currently used in the company's Sense beautiful science® skin and personal care product line.

This patent covers USANA's formulation for manufacturing the Sense skin and personal care product line so that they are capable of maintaining an industry-standard, two-year shelf life without the need for added chemical preservatives. USANA's now-patented "self-preserving" technology utilizes a variety of proprietary blends of purifying botanicals, antioxidants and other active ingredients in protective liquid crystals to keep the product fresh naturally. The Sense line maintains its shelf life without the use of parabens or other chemical preservatives commonly used in other cosmetics and skin care products. Sense has utilized this self-preserving technology since September 2004 on a patent-pending basis, and it is the only skin care and beauty care product line in the world to implement this scientific advancement.
USANA scientists believe this patented process represents a significant innovation in the skin-care industry, as self-preserving technology will allow users' skin to receive all the benefits of pure, natural, and healthy ingredients without the use of chemicals or potentially harmful preservatives.

"This patent is the result of nearly 10 years of research and development by USANA scientists, and it is an important milestone in our company's drive to become a leader in the skin and beauty care industry. USANA's self-preserving technology has changed skin and beauty care in a meaningful way by allowing for the formulation of healthy, all-natural products," USANA President Dave Wentz said. "Our customers rely on USANA's high-quality products to enhance their quality of life. Just like our pharmaceutical-grade supplements, USANA's Sense skin and beauty care line offers the best - and healthiest - products available. Consumers can now enjoy healthier skin and the peace of mind that comes with safe, self-preserving technology that does not rely on artificial, chemical preservatives."

The Sense skin and beauty care line includes:

Sense:

Gentle Daily Cleanser
Hydrating Toner
Daytime Protective Emulsion
Night Renewal
Perfecting Essence
Serum Intensive
Rice Bran Polisher
Eye Nourisher

Sense Splash:

Intensive Hand Therapy
Energizing Shower Gel
Firming Body Nourisher
Revitalizing Shampoo
Nourishing Conditioner

Source

Did anyone see Horizon's "Prof Regan's Beauty Parlour"?

... on Tuesday 27 March 2007, 9pm, BBC Two???

Summary and podcast here ...

Professor Regan is one of the UK's most well-respected (and glamorous) medical experts. She turned her scientific eye on the world of cosmetics. She's just turned 50, and was out to create an experimentally proven beauty cabinet.

She wanted to find a collection of scientifically-tested and proven beauty products such as face creams/moisturisers and hair products which met her high standards.

She didn't find many and those she did weren't the expensive brand names ... for the face products she tested six leading brands of which one was a control - a simple moisturiser E45 which fell at the first hurdle.

What worked for her was a product with at least SPF15 and with high amounts of antioxidants C and E.

I wonder what she would have made of my recommended products with patent-pending self-preserving formulas, SPF15, high amounts of grape seed extract and a stable form of vitamin C which does not so readily oxidize in contact with air - and with clinical test results through independent third party laboratories.

Her concluding advice was:

prefer PL products - a licenced medicine with a product licence - many cosmeceuticals do not go this down this route as it would take years of testing;

read the small print - several banned adverts from leading brands were given for illustration; and

have there been scientific tests? If not then test yourself - one side of your face or hair with product A and the other side with Product B for example ... and then get 100 friends to do the same.

So my offer to you is to try a sample of my recommended products from a science-based research company in the form of a handy travel pack at a 50% discount of wholesale cost i.e. say £7.

Any takers?

Best wishes,
Andrew