Incredible though it sounds, fish oil containing
eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, appears to slow down the
ageing process and help us to look younger by protecting
the skin and inhibiting the chemical processes that take
place when our skin is exposed to damage-inducing stimuli,
like the sun for example. Evidence suggests that aside
from all the other documented health benefits of EPA, it
can make our skin more resistant to sunburn, improve skin
elasticity and tone and helps to prevent saggy skin and
wrinkles from forming.
Most of us know that UV radiation from the sun is public
enemy number one as far as the skin is concerned.
Overexposure results in premature ageing and wrinkles as
well as reduced immunity to disease, and possibly even skin
cancer. When our skin is exposed to a lot of sunlight we
produce abnormal elastin that causes the skin to stretch
and collagen fibres begin to break down. In response to
this we produce a large number of enzymes called
metalloproteinases or MMPS. This would normally be a good
thing as these enzymes try to repair the damage, but it is
inefficient and over time, MMPS produced as a result of UV
radiation actually results in a break down of collagen and
finally wrinkles appear.
A study published in 2005 in the Journal for Lipid Research
investigated the effect that EPA had on MMPS arising as a
result of ultra violet radiation from the sun in human skin
and found that EPA inhibited overproduction of MMPS and
reduced the amount of damage to the skin. The researchers
Kim et al concluded that EPA could possibly prevent as well
as treat skin ageing. Then more recently in 2006, Drs Black
and Rhodes found that EPA offers protection against
sun-induced damage to skin cells by making the skin more
resistant to the sun's rays in the first place.
Participants taking fish oil showed a higher "minimal
erythemal dose". This basically means that the lowest
amount of radiation needed to produce erythema (an
inflammatory effect on the skin or sunburn) was higher for
those taking fish oil. These studies show that EPA not only
protects the skin, it limits the damage too, but these are
not the only benefits of EPA.
The properties of EPA
EPA is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory and
anti-thrombotic properties, both of which help to slow down
and minimise the effects of ageing and wear and tear on the
body. From the moment we are born, we are subjected to a
number of environmental pollutants that put pressure on our
skin. Oxygen-free radicals from pollution, for example, are
everywhere and result in a process known as oxidation.
Oxidation leads to an increase in inflammatory responses
and too much can cause premature ageing and wrinkles as
well as contribute to the development of many skin
conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA can
inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemical
messengers responsible for these inflammatory responses.
Increasingly as we grow older, our skin starts to thin out
and stretch as collagen fibres lose their elasticity, the
skin starts to lose its ability to repair itself and can no
longer retain moisture as well as it did. Consequently,
many people begin to rely on external lotions and potions
to keep the skin moist and supple. EPA can help the blood
to flow more efficiently throughout the body and contribute
to healthy and radiant looking skin. It is interesting that
a lack of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet manifests itself
most noticeably as skin problems.
Signs of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency
• Dry and flaky skin
• Dandruff
• Hard and cracked skin
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Poor wound healing
• Dull and lifeless looking skin
Most of us are also well aware that stress and anxiety can
speed up the ageing process resulting in 'worry lines' as
well as more serious conditions and threats to our health.
The amazing thing is that EPA has demonstrated considerable
success in alleviating depression, anxiety and stress so
not only does it help us to remain healthy and look younger
with better skin and fewer wrinkles, but it has a
'feel-good' factor too which helps keep those worry lines
at bay.
Conclusion
All this is very exciting, particularly when we consider
the amount of time, money and effort spent on the
ever-increasing number of products available to help keep
us healthy, young and beautiful. The implications are that
we can do the same job naturally through diet by taking
fish oil supplements containing EPA and benefit not only
from healthy more youthful looking skin and all the other
documented health-giving properties of EPA but possibly
gain a new lease of life too.
About the Author:
Dave McEvoy is an expert in EPA with over 20 years
experience; for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit:
http://www.mind1st.co.uk
We have been receiving many questions, personal stories and comments on how sperm can affect acne and if it affects acne in any way at all. So, for those who wants to joing and continue the discussion of this issue we have opened this topic - Sperm vs Acne. Now you can share your thoughts with everyone who come and participate in our blog. We have picked a few stories with different opinions to start off so here they are....
p.s Don't be a stranger, come in and post if you have something to ad.
Adult Acne sounds funny, doesn't it? Well you will be surprised to know that adult acne is not uncommon amongst adults although acne and pimples are generally associated with pubertal youngsters.
Adults feel discomforted when they get acne affliction at a point where they had begun to assume that they were free from it. For those who withstood their teenage years without any sort of acne and were spectators of their peer's acne-laden faces, getting adult acne is the worst sort of calamity for them. They often end up perplexed and upset. The oft repeated question is - isn't acne an adolescent ailment so why now?
The bad news is that that acne outbreak in adults is a bigger problem than imagined. You will be surprised to know that about 40% of all acne cure products in America alone are sold to adults who have this skin condition.
One wonders about the reasons behind the occurrence of acne in adults. The reasons are many. The theory of poor personal hygiene seems to be the most popular one but is a myth. However, hormonal imbalances and blocked pores of the skin are a major cause of acne even adult acne. Infection of the sebaceous glands or defective closing of hair ducts on the face also causes acne amongst adults.
All acne to an extent is curable. So those who are acne afflicted need to relax. A lot of people are so exasperated with their acne that they resort to measures that do more harm than good. Most adults rush to the nearest pharmacy for an over the counter remedy, little realizing whether the medication would solve their acne problem.
Another fact is that most of the medicines and treatments are created specifically to deal with adolescent acne. Using the same line of remedial measures for tackling acne outbreak in adults, which probably might have different underlying causes, brings about poor results.
An important thing to note is that although adult acne is similar in appearance and form to regular acne, it necessitates more potent remedies. So what does one do when confronted with an acne outbreak?
Go to a dermatologist and get a diagnosis of the underlying cause of the acne. Once this is done, follow the line of treatment it demands. It could be a simple prescription drug that will do away with adult acne forever. And you would be secure in the knowledge that your one visit to the dermatologist to find a diagnosis and cure has been effective than shelling out money in that umpteenth visit to the drugstore.
All those acne sufferers stop feeling embarrassed. Just remember that it is not you alone having acne out there. There are many adult acne victims. All you have to do is get the right treatment and you will be an adult- free of acne.
Summary:
Acne outbreak amongst adults is a major problem which needs to be tackled in a proper manner. The first step is to avoid getting embarrassed and the next step is to consult the dermatologist and get rid of adult acne.
Visit:
http://www.adultacnevault.com
