Nutrients preserve youthful skin, reduce eczema

Astaxanthin reduces oxidative stress 

Antioxidants may slow the aging effects of oxidation on the skin. With age, the skin sheds more cells, has increases in microbial organisms, and less lubricating lipids. In this study, 31 men and women, aged 40 or older, took
4 mg of astaxanthin per day.

After four weeks, a sign of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, was lower by 21.7 percent. Analyzing the skin, doctors found less shedding and lower microbial presence. There was also a significant increase in lipid droplet size, indicating more supple, hydrated, and youthful skin.

Doctors explained the skin is lipidic (oily) in nature, and that lipids provide an important barrier function. The study findings support their theory that a lipid-soluble antioxidant such as astaxanthin would provide protective and restorative effects.

Probiotics reduce eczema

Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is a defect in the skin immune system that causes severe itching, scaling, and surface loss of the skin. In this study, 50 children and young adults, aged 4 to 17 with moderate atopic dermatitis, took a placebo or a probiotic containing B. lactis, B. longum, and L. casei, while continuing to use topical corticosteroids for skin flare-ups.

After 12 weeks, those taking probiotics saw an 83 percent reduction in symptoms compared to 24 percent for placebo. Also, those on probiotics reduced by 29 percent the number of days requiring topical corticosteroids to treat skin flare-ups.

Commenting on the findings, doctors said probiotics could be used more widely in clinical practice to treat atopic dermatitis.

 

Reference: Nutrition Research; October, 2017, Published Online
Natural Insights for Well Being March 2018
 
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