Skin Care with Vitamin C

Younger Skin with Vitamin C

Most of us are wise to the fact that vitamin C helps promote a healthy immune system. But can this vital vitamin be the answer to younger-looking skin?

Yes, according to a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which says vitamin C boosts the efficacy of the sunscreen you already use -- or should be using -- during the day

The research showed that, while broad-spectrum sunscreens blocked the sun's UVA and UVB rays, they never penetrate dthe outer layer of the skin. But, topical vitamin C was absorbed beneath the skin’s outer layer, disarming sunlight-created free radicals.

This is good news for skin, since free radicals can damage and even destroy collagen and elastin, two necessary substances for maintaining elasticity and a fine, evenly-toned texture.

As it happens, most people’s skin is lacking in vitamin C , so even if you eat a diet rich in it, and take it in supplement form, it’s still likely you aren’t getting enough.

Since it is absorbed directly and can't be wiped off or diluted by perspiration, applying vitamin C topically may be a particularly effective anti-aging skin care remedy. Once absorbed, it continues to exert healing effects for three days.

For maximum benefit, try applying topical vitamin C every other night and broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

From ThirdAge by  Kyle Roderick

Take a look at Youthing Essentials Vitamin C Complex

Skin Color gives clues to health

ScienceDaily (Nov. 23, 2009): Researchers from the universities of Bristol and St. Andrews in the UK have found that the color of a person's skin affects how healthy and therefore attractive they appear, and have found that diet may be crucial to achieving the most desirable complexion. The work will be published in the December issue of Springer's International Journal of Primatology.

Using specialist computer software, a total of 54 Caucasian participants of both sexes were asked to manipulate the skin color of male and female Caucasian faces to make them look as healthy as possible. They chose to increase the rosiness, yellowness and brightness of the skin.

"Most previous work on faces has focused on the shape of the face or the texture of the skin, but one of the most variable characteristics of the face is skin color," said Dr. Ian Stephen who is now at the University of Bristol.

"We knew from our previous work that people who have more blood and more oxygen color in their skins looked healthy, and so we decided to see what other colors affect health perceptions. This has given us some clues as to what other skin pigments may relate to a healthy appearance."

Skin that is slightly flushed with blood and full of oxygen suggests a strong heart and lungs, supporting the study's findings that rosier skin appeared healthy. Smokers and people with diabetes or heart disease have fewer blood vessels in their skin, and so skin would appear less rosy.

The preference for more golden or 'yellow-toned' skin as healthier might be explained by the 'carotenoid pigments' that we get from the fruit and vegetables in our diet.These plant pigments are powerful antioxidants that soak up dangerous compounds produced when the body combats disease. They are also important for our immune and reproductive systems and may help prevent cancer.

They are the same dietary pigments that brightly colored birds and fish use to show off their healthiness and attract mates, and the researchers think that similar biological mechanisms may be at work in humans.

"In the West we often think that sun tanning is the best way to improve the color of your skin," said Ian Stephen, "but our research suggests that living a healthy lifestyle with a good diet might actually be better."

Melanin, the pigment that causes the tan color when skin is exposed to the sun makes the skin darker and more yellow, but participants in the study chose to make skin lighter and more yellow to make it look healthier.

"This discovery is very exciting and has given us a promising lead into cues to health," said Professor David Perrett, head of the Perception Lab at the University of St. Andrews, where the research took place.

"What we eat and not just how much we eat appears to be important for a healthy appearance. The only natural way in which we can make our skin lighter and more yellow is to eat a more healthy diet high in fruit and vegetables."

Botox Research

Botox may have other positive effects

I found this article on the Al Sears recent newsletter and thought this would be of interest to you all. Let me know if you want more like these.

"Not everyone wants to inject poison into their face. And that’s how a lot of folks feel about Botox.

I don’t blame you. But Botox is also misunderstood.

Botox is naturally occurring and when used properly can do more than take the wrinkles off an aging movie star.

It can end migraines, prostate problems, and muscle spasms. That’s what studies using Botox are showing. We are finding that Botox is not only good for cosmetic anti-aging; it may also ease some very irritating conditions.

Today, I’ll tell you how a cosmetic tool has the potential to alleviate migraine, prostate, and muscle pain. And I’ll give you some tips for Botox safety.


Foods can heal you in ways drugs never can. Our bodies evolved over millions of years to thrive on foods – they are nature’s way to repair, restore and rejuvenate.

My colleague, Victor Marchione, MD, has been featured on NBC’s Today show for his expert advice on “functional foods” – foods that can reverse and prevent disease.

This free special report shows you the functional foods he prescribes in his medical practice. They can help you relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. They can also make you feel more happy, relaxed and energized. I recommend you check it out today.

You are probably most familiar with Botox as a cosmetic procedure. For years, doctors have been using Botox to diminish their patients’ facial wrinkles. And since the FDA approved Botox as an anti-wrinkle serum in April of 2002, its use has become common.

Botox is a natural toxin. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces it. Doctors use a purified form of the toxin. We inject small amounts of this substance into muscle, which temporarily weakens it. Botox blocks a chemical in the muscle that causes it to contract.

Less contraction means less wrinkles. This is why Botox is widely used to eliminate facial wrinkles. But this same mechanism can eliminate pain from some medical conditions.

Headaches: We have now come to understand that Botox can treat and even prevent some of the most severe headaches. The journal Headache published a now landmark study that looked at the effectiveness of Botox in treating headaches.

Researchers analyzed several studies performed over 3 years. They evaluated 271 subjects with severe, frequent headaches. Botox treatment reduces the average number of days per month in which subjects experienced headaches by 56%. Headache intensity and frequency dropped by over 85% with Botox injections.1

Muscle Spasms: Botox was actually first approved for treating muscle disorders. And I have used this technique in my practice with much success. One of my patients had been suffering from spasms of the neck muscles for years. Botox injections eliminated most of his pain and spasms.

Prostate: The most recent unique use for Botox has been in the relief of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) symptoms. Researchers have been performing some preliminary tests on the topic for a few years. Now a recent study shows promise.

Researchers at the University Hospital in Rome treated 30 men with swollen prostates with either Botox injections or a placebo solution injection. The men taking Botox had a significant reduction in frequent painful urination after two months. These men also experienced a drop in PSA levels. Better yet, their prostates shrunk by almost half!2

Remember Botox is a nerve toxin, it can be dangerous if used the wrong way. Botox is a prescription. Only let a doctor experienced with Botox treat you. There are very few reported side effects from proper administration.

Botox injections for wrinkles, headaches and muscle spasms can work for up to 3 months. After that, you may need a repeat treatment.

Remember, the study regarding Botox for prostate relief is preliminary. I wouldn’t inject your prostate with Botox just yet. We still need more evidence proving that Botox is safe for the prostate over time. None-the-less, more research could yield more promising results."

Some More about Botox

I found this news article from Al Sears very interesting. Hope you enjoy it and let me know your thoughts or comments.

“Not everyone wants to inject poison into their face. And that’s how a lot of folks feel about Botox.

I don’t blame you. But Botox is also misunderstood.

Botox is naturally occurring and when used properly can do more than take the wrinkles off an aging movie star.

It can end migraines, prostate problems, and muscle spasms. That’s what studies using Botox are showing. We are finding that Botox is not only good for cosmetic anti-aging; it may also ease some very irritating conditions.

I’ll tell you how a cosmetic tool has the potential to alleviate migraine, prostate, and muscle pain. And I’ll give you some tips for Botox safety.

Foods can heal you in ways drugs never can. Our bodies evolved over millions of years to thrive on foods – they are nature’s way to repair, restore and rejuvenate.

My colleague, Victor Marchione, MD, has been featured on NBC’s Today show for his expert advice on “functional foods” – foods that can reverse and prevent disease.

This special report shows you the functional foods he prescribes in his medical practice. They can help you relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. They can also make you feel more happy, relaxed and energized. I recommend you check it out today.

You are probably most familiar with Botox as a cosmetic procedure. For years, doctors have been using Botox to diminish their patients’ facial wrinkles. And since the FDA approved Botox as an anti-wrinkle serum in April of 2002, its use has become common.

Botox is a natural toxin. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces it. Doctors use a purified form of the toxin. We inject small amounts of this substance into muscle, which temporarily weakens it. Botox blocks a chemical in the muscle that causes it to contract.

Less contraction means less wrinkles. This is why Botox is widely used to eliminate facial wrinkles. But this same mechanism can eliminate pain from some medical conditions.

Headaches: We have now come to understand that Botox can treat and even prevent some of the most severe headaches. The journal Headache published a now landmark study that looked at the effectiveness of Botox in treating headaches.

Researchers analyzed several studies performed over 3 years. They evaluated 271 subjects with severe, frequent headaches. Botox treatment reduces the average number of days per month in which subjects experienced headaches by 56%. Headache intensity and frequency dropped by over 85% with Botox injections.1

Muscle Spasms: Botox was actually first approved for treating muscle disorders. And I have used this technique in my practice with much success. One of my patients had been suffering from spasms of the neck muscles for years. Botox injections eliminated most of his pain and spasms.

Prostate: The most recent unique use for Botox has been in the relief of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) symptoms. Researchers have been performing some preliminary tests on the topic for a few years. Now a recent study shows promise.

Researchers at the University Hospital in Rome treated 30 men with swollen prostates with either Botox injections or a placebo solution injection. The men taking Botox had a significant reduction in frequent painful urination after two months. These men also experienced a drop in PSA levels. Better yet, their prostates shrunk by almost half!2

Remember Botox is a nerve toxin, it can be dangerous if used the wrong way. Botox is a prescription. Only let a doctor experienced with Botox treat you. There are very few reported side effects from proper administration.

Botox injections for wrinkles, headaches and muscle spasms can work for up to 3 months. After that, you may need a repeat treatment.

Remember, the study regarding Botox for prostate relief is preliminary. I wouldn’t inject your prostate with Botox just yet. We still need more evidence proving that Botox is safe for the prostate over time. None-the-less, more research could yield more promising results."

The Skin You're In!

This year alone there will be more than 1,000,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer according to the U.S. National Institute Of Health. I believe that figure can go down if people become better informed on how to take care and treat their skin.

Ways to protect and treat your skin

The first way to treating and protect your skin is to hydrate it. The skin is the biggest organ in your body. It needs plenty of fluids to keep it youthful and radiant. Be sure to drink at least eight 8oz. glasses of water a day and more in hot weather to stay properly hydrated.

Another way to treat your skin is to wear protective sunscreen and clothing when going out into the sun. This will help shield your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Do not forget to re apply sunscreen if you will be out for longer periods of time. This can greatly reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.

The sun also has a very beneficial effect on your skin in moderation. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, more specifically ultraviolet B radiation; it produces Vitamin D, which is very important in health and wellbeing of your body.

As stated above vitamins play a very big role in treating and protecting your skin. Vitamin C for example is an essential nutrient in the production of collagen. Collagen is one of the thousands of different proteins found in your body. It’s what gives your skin its strength and healthy appearance.

Nutrition is a fabulous way to treat your skin from the inside out. Foods that are known to be good in the production of collagen are very simple to incorporate into your daily routine. Try adding soy products such as soy cheese or soy milk, this can help the skin by blocking the enzymes that normally break down and age your skin.

One more way to treat and protect your skin is to use moisturizing skin care products. Beware that not all skin care products are created equal. It may take time to find the right one for your skin type. Skin care products that are generally good with moisturizing are usually packed with good vitamins and minerals. Always read the labels, and when in doubt just ask. What you do now with your skin can impact how your skin will be in the future.

You are the caretaker of your body. It is never too late to take charge and receive all the benefits of a new more youthful you.

Protecting your skin is not just a way of life…It goes well beyond that. It is also a mind set.

Make each and every day one more day to pamper your body because it’s the only body you will ever get.

Be aware and stay proactive in the choices you make.

Love your skin!