With the current hype about collagen as the holy grail of anti-aging and skin health, I wanted to discuss the myriad of pathways that contribute to the health of our skin, as well as that indefinable “glow” that truly comes from within.

 

Before I talk about the more physical level of beauty, I want to mention a relatively new discovery in the scientific world. Biophotons.

 

Biophotons are light particles that are generated within the body, and they can be measured as they emanate from the skin.

 

“In a recent study, eight volunteers were placed in a darkened room and asked to visualize a bright light. The participants were monitored with light detectors that picked up an aura of light particles coming from the right side of their brains. In a sense they were enhancing light.

What does this mean? We know that our cells emit light and that this light is constantly sending and receiving information. We also know that we have at least some ability to affect this light. If this is true, then we have access to the control centre of our minds and bodies. And if we have access and influence then we have the ability to change ourselves at the most fundamental level by enhancing our light.”1

 

So now we know, you literally radiate your light from within.. so skin tone and texture is secondary when it comes to beauty really.. remember that before you obsess over a blemish or a wrinkle again.

 

However, clear, radiant skin is also a sign of health from within, as the body will naturally prioritise the repair of internal tissues over external.. so really it’s a happy side effect of taking deep and loving care of yourself.

 

There are many biological pathways that contribute to the appearance of our skin; hormones, digestion and gut health, toxin load and liver health, antioxidant function, as well as collagen and elastin production.

 

The following plants are found in our GLOW blend, and these are the pathways they work upon;

 

 

MACA

Maca is incredibly nutrient dense.. it provides key amino acids and vitamins such as C, D and E which increase the production of collagen, (the basic structural

component of the skin), greater collagen production equals less wrinkles and sagging skin. It also fights free radicals, further helping maintain plump, glowy skin and strong, shiny hair.

It is also known to help calm the mind, boost stamina, increase sex drive, and can greatly reduce hormonal breakouts.

 

ALOE

One journal published study found that pure Aloe Vera can significantly reverse signs of skin aging.

After just 90 days of internal use, facial wrinkles and skin elasticity improved significantly in photoaged skin.

Aloe is also one of the best natural boosters of collagen production,

 

It also works way down at the DNA level. It decreases gene activity that causes collagen to become damaged in the first place.

As well as rejuvenating skin elasticity, Aloe Vera is deeply cleansing to the digestive system.. It moves through the intestinal tract and picks up toxins along the way, then drags them out through your colon. Detoxing your system is one of the best ways to make your skin shine from within.

 

HIBISCUS

Sometimes referred to as “nature’s botox”, for its ability to firm and lift skin, part of its magic is due to high levels of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy-acids), known to generate a more youthful complexion.. it also contains a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, that “heal damage from sun exposure and pollution—helping to repair as well as rejuvenate your skin. It can also calm irritation from environmental stressors.

Hibiscus also combats aging by limiting the activity of elastase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down the elastin that keeps our skin firm and healthy. Elastin is the connective tissue keeping your skin attached to the muscles in your face. By preserving and protecting the elastin you keep your face looking younger, and firmer, longer.

 

Hibiscus flowers are also full of mucilage—all of that goo at the end of the stem helps to keep in moisture and seal in all of the benefits it provides your skin.” 2

 

SCHISANDRA

Schisandra berry is a great superherb for skin wellness and protection. Cherished by Chinese royalty for its beauty and anti-aging qualities, it is “packed with antioxidants, including key vitamins C and E, Schisandra’s strong astringent qualities enable the

skin to hold in moisture for more fullness. Schisandra may also protect against UVB induced skin damage.” 3

 

Famed for its ability to preserve youth in both physiology and appearance, it has “shown efficacy through countless dynasties, wherein the skin is said to glow, becoming clearer and finer after one imbibes it consistently for several months.” 4

 

 

RHODIOLA

Also known as Roseroot, and used traditionally by Vikings for its ability to give strength and stamina, Rhodiola also has incredible youth giving benefits for the skin; it “boosts microcirculation, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and protects skin from environmental stressors like UV rays. With a high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanadins it also provides added oxidative protection, combatting premature aging. It also has a stimulating effect on the skin increasing circulation and cell turnover, rapidly renewing collagen and reducing the appearance of fine lines.” 5

 

GOJI

Known as the most powerful antiaging food in the world as measured by the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, which shows the antioxidant power in 

food. Goji berries are also rich in vitamins and flavonoids, and have the ability to protect cells and their components from harmful oxidative processes. They contain large amounts of b-carotene in a very biologically active form that enables the body to easily use it.

 

ROSEHIP

Rose hip powder supports the skin and cell longevity by mechanisms involving support of collagen, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties. One journal published study showed;

“(Rosehip) can inhibit the synthesis of MMP-1, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen.. it (also) protects collagen and elastin from free radicals such as reactive oxygen species formed by the process of UV-induced oxidative metabolism responsible for skin aging” 6

 

 

POMEGRANATE

Being rich in antioxidants, pomegranates neutralise the effect of free radicals in our body. The anti-ageing plant compounds in the fruit also help in stimulating

keratinocyte cells (skin cells) and help in cellular regeneration thereby keeping wrinkles and sagging skin at bay.

It is a rich source of vitamin C, which research has proven is effective in treating dull and dry skin. Also, around 82 percent of pomegranate’s volume weight is water and thereby it’s effective in keeping you hydrated.

The polyphenols in pomegranate are powerful antioxidants that help protect skin cells from oxidative damage. 7

 

 

ROSE

An ancient Ayurvedic beauty secret, Rose also has anti-ageing properties, due to its being another powerful source of antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, D and E that are known to prevent wrinkles, maintain skin and hair health and combat other signs of ageing by fighting free radical damage in the body. Vitamin C is, again, essential in the body’s production of collagen, the building block for skin and hair. Rose thus encourages skin to look young and radiant.

It is also renowned for helping to clear toxins and heat from the body, re-establishing healthy bacterial population of the intestines, relieving fluid retention, hastening the elimination of wastes through kidneys and cleansing the liver and gall bladder.

 

 

So by all means, care for your body, and take these legendary herbs to decrease stress, balance hormone production, cleanse toxins, increase antioxidant status and generate collagen and elastin production. They’re here for us to utilise and benefit your spirit and consciousness as well.. but above all, don’t forget to shine your light from within.. X

 

 

1 http://www.esalq.usp.br/lepse/imgs/conteudo_thumb/Biophotons.pdf

2 https://theklog.co/hibiscus-flower-extract-skincare/

3 https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/schisandra 4 https://www.lneonline.com/schizandra-berry/

5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/

6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4496685/

7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/