Conditions of the Skin

Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells)  associated with degenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and aging. GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) are specialized molecules found in cartilage and skin. Antioxidant production and GAGs decline with aging. Now research reports that a supplement containing antioxidants, GAGs and minerals fights wrinkles and improves skin roughness. The study, published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, investigated the effects of a supplement containing antioxidants, GAGs and minerals...Read More

Dermal fibroblasts in skin cells play a major role in wound healing. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that can help heal and protect the skin. Now research reports that vitamin C may protect the skin by promoting fibroblast production. These results may have important implications for protecting the skin against DNA damage. The study, published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, investigated the effect of exposure to a vitamin C derivative, AA2P (ascorbic...Read More

In the past, before the advent of safe corticosteroid medications, psoriasis was treated with simple measures aimed at reducing symptoms and improving skin function. A recent study published in the February issue of the Journal of Dermatology revisited a treatment of the past to assess its efficacy. Read More

Retinoid forms of vitamin A including retinol and RA (retinoic acid) are used to treat skin disorders including acne, wrinkles and certain cancers. RA is an essential molecule for bone and tissue development, cell regulation and other biological processes. Now research reports that an enzyme associated with fat synthesis is also linked to RA levels in the skin. These results may have important implications for the treatment of skin and hair disorders. The study, published...Read More

The International Journal of Dermatology published a study in March 2005 that attempted to demonstrate the protective effects of Vitamin E on retinoid toxicity.Read More

A study published in the European Journal of Dermatology in May investigated the effects of zinc gluconate both in patients with active acne and in the lab against more than 40 common strains of bacteria associated with acne.Read More

A Japanese study published in the December issue of Phytotherapy Research measured the effects of oral grape seed extract on cholasma in women.Read More