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Harmful Effects of Aging on the Human Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and thus, it is very necessary to keep it in tip-top shape. The skin, like every other organ, tissue or cell, naturally ages as we get on in years. There is really nothing anyone can do to completely stop this process as it is a natural consequence of the human metabolic process.

Whenever we eat any food substances, these substances are oxidized and burnt off within the cellular organelles known as the mitochondria.

As a result of this oxidation, energy is released in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which the body uses for its cellular activities. As a by-product of this process, free radicals are formed. These free radical ions are responsible for the oxidative damage to the cellular tissues and as a result of this, the human body tends to age with time.

While we cannot stop the oxidative damage done by these free radicals, we can retard the effects of the oxidative damage and by extension, delay the ageing process.

Medical science has since established several compounds which have the ability to scavenge or destroy these free radicals when they are produced by the body. In other words, where these free-radical scavengers exist, there will be minimal oxidative damage done to the tissues.

This single statement forms the basis of the anti-ageing or anti-wrinkle prescriptions and lotions in the market today.

For the fact that these compounds prevent oxidation, they have been termed anti-oxidants and several of these anti-oxidants have been identified in many food substances e.g. fruits and vegetables. Some of the most powerful known anti-oxidants are Vitamins A, C and E as well as Coenzyme Q10.

Of this group of vitamins, the Vitamin E (also called tocopherol) is the most effective and it occurs in at least three known forms. These are the alpha, beta and gamma tocopherol. It has equally been proven that the gamma tocoperol is the most powerful of the group. When the Vitamin E is combined with certain mineral elements such as Cobalt (Co) or Copper (Cu), it becomes even more powerful as an anti-oxidant.

This explains why Vitamin supplements are so popular. Several of these vitamins have been incorporated into beauty products and anti-ageing cosmetic products to help users maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin.

To keep the skin looking youthful, it is recommended to ingest an adequate quantity of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. While this is not always attainable, it is advisable to take vitamin supplements to meet up with the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for each of the required nutrients.

So, when shopping for your dietary supplements, it is advisable to check the label and where possible, ensure you buy one with gamma tocopherol (Vitamin E) in combination with other mineral elements.

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