If you truly want radiant, wrinkle-free skin well into your years, here are some tips to get proactive about supplying it daily with the specific compounds it needs to rebuild.

There are three skin proteins - collagen, elastin and keratin - responsible for keeping our skin tight and resilient.  Producing all of these requires an abundance of specific proteins and antioxidants.  Meanwhile, stress, nutrient deficiencies and environmental toxins will keep you from protecting your skin and fighting the slow evolution of wrinkles.

3 Proteins for Skin Integrity

CYSTEINE and METHIONINE: Both of these important amino acids are crucial for the production of all three skin proteins and also play a role in hair strength.  What makes these proteins even more unique is their ability to produce glutathione, which is the master of all antioxidants in the body.  Cysteine and methionine are building blocks for skin cells and major protectors against skin damage in the first place.  It is important to supply these to fight the battle before it begins!

HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN COMPLEX (with type II Collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate):  This is a very effective form of collagen to rebuild the most abundant protein in your skin.  Researchers have found that type II hydrolyzed collagen increased collagen production in cells by 250 percent.  Both hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate are known building blocks of joints, ligaments and skin.1

Food Tip:  It is important to eat enough quality, clean and lean protein.  Consider making homemade chicken stock and using whey protein powder in smoothies to supply these extra quality amino acids for skin integrity.

3 Antioxidant Supplements for Skin Integrity

Alpha Lipoic Acid: This powerhouse antioxidant is special because it can work in both the water and lipid parts of the cell.  It can also recycle other antioxidants and keep them working longer.  This is a popular ingredient in skin cream lines and is a must-have in any wrinkle fighting supplement regimen.

Vitamin C:  We have already discussed the importance of proteins in skin regeneration but without vitamin c, those amino acids cannot be linked together to actually build the proteins.  Stress, caffeine, exercise and environmental toxins all deplete our supply of this vitamin, so supplying extra daily amounts will be crucial.

Vitamin A:  In hundreds of studies, research has shown vitamin A to reduce wrinkles, fade brown spots and smooth roughness of skin.  Both internally and topically, this vitamin is a must for youthful supple skin.

Food Tip: Make colorful vegetables and fruits the base of every meal and snack.  Focus on eliminating the nutrient draining foods such as processed grains, sugar and caffeine.

Reference:  Hotze Vitamins