Beauty comes from the inside. The connection between nutrition and skin condition or rather the effect of nutrition on skin aging has been an interesting research field not only for scientists but also a common field of interest for humans throughout the years, from ancient times to nowadays. Skin aging consists of two didactically independent, clinically and biologically, distinct processes. 1) The first is intrinsic skin aging, which represents chronological aging and affects skin in the same pattern it affects all internal organs. 2) The second is extrinsic skin aging, which we view as aged skin and is the result of external factors and environmental influence, mainly chronic sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation but also smoking, pollution, sleep deprivation and poor nutrition.

 

Prevention is the best and most effective way to work against extrinsic skin aging effects. The best prevention strategy against the harmful action of free radicals is a well-regulated lifestyle (caloric restriction, body care and physical exercise for body), with low stress conditions and a balanced nutritional diet, including antioxidant rich food.

 

Frequently researched antioxidants such as carotenoids, tocopherols (Vitamin E) and flavonoids, as well as Vitamins (A, C, D and E), essential Omega 3 fatty acids, some proteins and lactobacilli have been referred as agents capable of promoting skin health and beauty.

 

Vitamin C is the most important antioxidant in the anti-aging process. Vitamin C is, however, not naturally synthesized by the human body and therefore adequate dietary intake of Vitamin C is required and essential for a healthy human diet. Citrus fruits e.g. are a great source for Vitamin C, but cannot be compared with Camu Camu and Guava. Camu Camu contains 4 times more Vitamin C than oranges and 40 times more than lemons. Guava contains 2 time more C Vitamin than oranges and 20 times more than lemons. Our bodies need Vitamin C for the production of collagen, the main protein in the skin that gives it strength and elasticity. β-carotene and lycopene are usually the dominating carotenoids in human blood and tissues and are known to protect and improve skin properties when ingested as supplements or as dietary products.