Revolutionary Products that
Protect and Reverse Skin Aging!
By Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN
Scientific Director, Essential Formulas
The skin is our largest and most visible organ, and in many ways, skin health tells us a lot about our internal health. For example, easy bruising and dry, wrinkled, sagging skin are signs of increased free radical damage and accelerated skin aging. In addition to being visible externally, these signs are an indication of what’s happening internally. Hence, there is a growing awareness that skin health mirrors internal health and human aging.i
And summertime can undoubtedly affect the appearance and health of our skin, but there are many things we can do to hold on to our glow. And exclusive, overpriced skincare products need not be one of them. Instead turn to natural skincare ingredients to create your own summer skin care arsenal of cleansers, lotions, and supplements.
Essential Formulas has several products that enhance skin health and, at the same time, promote improved internal health and help to slow down the process of biological aging.
1. Dr. Ohhira’s Collagen Plus contains highly absorbable, low molecular weight collagen peptides. Human clinical trials have shown that orally ingested collagen peptides increase collagen production, which increases elasticity, strength, and hydration of the skin.ii Increasing the body’s production of healthy new collagen is an example of reversing the aging process. This results in noticeable improvements in skin conditions, such as increased moisture and elasticity and a decrease in roughness and wrinkles.iii For example, in a human clinical trial, women who ingested collagen peptides for eight weeks were found to have a 20% reduction in the volume of eye wrinkles, a 65% increase in type 1 skin collagen, an 18% increase in skin elastin content.iv
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is one of the key ingredients in Dr. Ohhira’s Collagen Plus. HA can absorb its weight in water many times, which explains why it is so effective at improving skin moisture content. In a 6-week clinical trial, subjects who ingested hyaluronic acid daily exhibited significantly greater moisture content in their skin and visibly improved facial features such as enhanced skin luster, suppleness, and a reduction of facial skin wrinkles.v
Cherry Blossom Extract is a unique ingredient in Dr. Ohhira’s Collagen Plus, widely recognized in Japan for its health and beauty benefits. Cherry blossom extract has been shown to inhibit glycation, which is a process that destroys collagen. Cherry blossom extract also provides anti-inflammatory activity and stimulates the production of healthy new collagen.
In an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the skin in the women taking cherry blossom extract exhibited improved elasticity, less dryness, a reduction of skin pores, redness and hyperpigmentation, improvement in the smoothness of the skin, and a reduction of glycation cross-linking damage. Studies such as this indicate that cherry blossom extract improves the underlying collagen skin structure and the visual appearance of skin and a slowing down of the process of skin damage and skin aging.
2. Dr. Ohhira’s Essential Living Oils provides a balance of healthy fats with an emphasis on omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), which is deficient in the diet of many Americans. Essential Living Oils is sourced from eight natural plant and seed oils, which makes it a healthy vegan alternative to fish oil supplements.
The fats in Essential Living Oils are essential for the proper architectural structure of cell walls in the skin and help reduce skin inflammation and maintain healthy skin barrier function.
3. Kampuku Beauty Bar, Magoroku Skin Lotion, and Hadayubi Lavender Moisturizer.
Maintaining a healthy, balanced skin microbiome is essential for skin health. Dr. Ohhira’s skincare products are formulated with all-natural ingredients combined with Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic extract, which protects and revitalizes the skin.
Unfortunately, many skincare products disrupt, damage, or remove the skin microbiome. It is becoming increasingly clear that skin dysbiosis is associated with skin conditions such as rosacea.vi, psoriasisvii And eczema.viii Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic extract contains various slightly acidic postbiotic metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), organic acids, nucleic acids, and fulvic acids. These weakly acidic compounds help maintain proper skin pH, which is essential for a healthy skin microbiome. This is in stark contrast to other skincare products that disrupt or destroy the skin microbiome.
Problems with skin could be highly evident during the summertime, so let’s jump into some great tips to keep your skin healthy during sunny times.
Summer Smarts: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun!
Summertime is a great season for outdoor activities, but it can also present some health challenges. The warm weather can make it easy to become dehydrated or suffer from heat exhaustion, while increased exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn and skin damage. However, with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy the summer months while keeping yourself healthy and safe.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential during the summer, especially if you spend time outside in the heat. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even heatstroke. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water daily and carry a water bottle on the go.
- Protect your skin: Sunburn can be painful and increase your risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Wear protective clothing such as hats and long-sleeved shirts to cover your skin, and avoid spending time outside during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Stay cool: High temperatures can increase your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be dangerous. Stay cool by taking frequent breaks in the shade or indoors, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and using fans or air conditioning to cool down.
- Eat healthily: Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help keep you healthy and hydrated and provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Avoid heavy, fatty foods that make you feel sluggish in the heat.
- Stay active: Summertime is a great opportunity to get outside and be active. Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. However, exercise early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, and stay hydrated during your workout.
- Be prepared: In an emergency, being prepared is essential. Ensure you have a first aid kit and recognize the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Keep emergency numbers handy and seek medical attention if necessary.
- In conclusion, staying healthy during summertime requires taking precautions to keep cool, hydrated, and protected from the sun. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy all that summertime offers while staying healthy and safe.
Healthy Aging Tips for the Autumn Season
It’s never too late to strive for a healthier lifestyle, and September is the perfect time to make a plan. Recapture that “back to school” feeling with a personal commitment to renew yourself this autumn. To improve yourself physically, socially, and mentally, here are 10 tips to inspire you:
Exercise
1. Move more, sit less. Why? Physical activity is your weapon to help control blood pressure, help prevent heart disease and stroke and possibly lower your risk for depression, anxiety, and conditions like certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. What to do? Choose something fun so you can keep at it, like cycling, walking, dancing, swimming, or aerobics.
2. How much do you need to do? Current national recommendations are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and two days of muscle-strengthening training. That’s only 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week, or around an hour a day if you do three days a week.
3. Get motivated with free websites and apps like All Trails to find parks and trails around the world; American Heart Association with ideas on how to join a walking club.
Diet
4. Try to cut back on salt. A diet rich in sodium has been linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack—all good reasons to try not to overly salt your food. Adding more fiber to your diet can help lower cholesterol, control your blood sugar, as well helping maintain good digestive health.
Social
5. Volunteer. Being of service is an excellent way to bring happiness into your life and not focus on yourself. Refocus on others and volunteer your time and expertise. United Way, the American Red Cross, VolunteerMatch, are all helpful resources.
6. Beat back loneliness. Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Be proactive and call someone for a lunch date. Set up a calendar of lunch dates and challenge yourself to have at least two lunch dates per month (once a week is even better!) It doesn’t have to be expensive … pack a picnic, and head to a park. Try to mix up your get-togethers with old friends and new acquaintances.
7. Rekindle or follow a new passion. Take a hard look at what you like to do rather than what other people tell you to do to meet new people. Pick some activities where you might meet new friends.
8. Get a dog. If you don’t have one, get one and walk. You will be amazed how many people you will meet through your dog. Can’t have one? Check your local humane society to see if they need dog walkers.
Mental
9. Be realistic with what you can accomplish. Learn to say no … don’t overwhelm yourself with a to-do list. The non-profit Mental Health America offers more tips for reducing or controlling stress.
10. Plan for your next passage. Capitalize on your career experience and start a new one. Yes, enjoy a brief “retirement.” Travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Develop new hobbies. Redefining your purpose to maintain a sense of identity and purpose is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
So, grab onto that “back to school” feeling and make September the perfect time to renew or set your lifestyle goals. It’s not too late!
How Do Dr. Ohirra’s Probiotics and Reg’Activ Help with Healthy Aging?
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics support digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being. These probiotics’ specific strains and composition are intended to mimic the natural diversity of gut bacteria found in healthy individuals and contain prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Prebiotics are substances that nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics are live bacteria that provide health benefits, and postbiotics are the metabolic byproducts of bacterial fermentation that can also positively affect the body. How Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics helps with healthy aging:
1. Digestive Health: Our digestive system can become less efficient as we age. Probiotics can help maintain a balanced gut flora, which supports proper digestion and nutrient absorption. A healthy gut can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues like bloating and constipation.
2. Immune System Support: The gut plays a significant role in immune system function. A balanced gut microbiome can help modulate the immune response and promote a healthier immune system. This can be particularly important as the immune system tends to weaken with age.
3. Mental Health and Cognitive Function: A growing body of research suggests a connection between the gut microbiome and brain health. Probiotics may support cognitive function and mental well-being, essential aspects of healthy aging.
4. Cardiovascular Health: Some studies have indicated that certain probiotics can positively influence factors related to cardiovascular health, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Maintaining heart health becomes increasingly important with age.
5. Bone Health: Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics have been proven to contribute to bone health by aiding in absorbing minerals like calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Reg’Activ containing Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 is a patented strain of probiotic bacteria that has gained attention for its health benefits, including its role in supporting healthy aging. This strain is known for its unique ability to produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress. Here’s how glutathione helps with healthy aging:
1. Antioxidant Support: The production of glutathione by Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 may help reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with aging and various chronic diseases. Glutathione helps counteract this stress and minimize the damage caused by free radicals.
2. Cellular Protection: Glutathione works within cells to protect them from damage caused by various stressors, such as environmental toxins, pollutants, and radiation. This protection is essential for maintaining cellular health and preventing premature aging.
3. Detoxification: Glutathione is a critical player in the body’s detoxification processes. It binds to and helps eliminate harmful substances from the body, such as heavy metals and other toxins. Adequate glutathione levels are crucial for efficient detoxification, which becomes increasingly important as we age and accumulate toxins.
4. Immune Function: Glutathione plays a role in supporting the immune system. It helps regulate immune responses, supports the activity of immune cells, and promotes optimal immune function.
5. Energy Production: Glutathione is involved in cellular energy production. It helps protect mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of cells, from damage caused by oxidative stress. Maintaining healthy mitochondrial function is crucial for overall vitality and energy levels as we age.
6. Neurological Health: Some research suggests that glutathione may support brain health and cognitive function. Oxidative stress is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, and maintaining optimal glutathione levels could potentially have neuroprotective effects.
In addition to taking probiotic supplements, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, staying physically active, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption are all important factors for promoting healthy aging.
Sources:
- Healthyaging.com
Summary
The products from Essential Formulas highlighted in this article support and improved the skin microbiome while enhancing immune function and overall health.
