by Jenny Perez, July 17th 2024
Views No Comments
7 Key Ingredients for Radiant Summer Wellness

7 Key Ingredients for Radiant Summer Wellness

Summer is the perfect time to focus on maintaining radiant skin and protecting vision. As the sun shines bright and the days grow long, our skin and eyes require extra care to stay healthy. For health-conscious consumers and PRL practitioners, incorporating specific ingredients into a summer wellness routine can provide essential support. These seven key ingredients can enhance radiant summer health to keep your skin glowing and your eyes bright.

1. Marine Collagen

Marine collagen offers significant health benefits, particularly in bioavailability, skin health, and joint support. Compared to bovine-derived collagen peptides, marine collagen has more significant sustainability advantages, such as reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint, and promoting responsible sourcing, making it an optimal choice overall. Integrating marine collagen into your wellness routine can provide a range of health benefits while also supporting more sustainable practices.

Health Benefits:

  • Improves Skin Elasticity and Hydration: Marine collagen boosts the skin's elasticity and hydration levels, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study supports the efficacy of hydrolyzed marine collagen, with a study showing that participants in the experimental group experienced significant improvements in overall skin score (9%), wrinkle reduction (15%), elasticity (23%), hydration (14%), radiance (22%), and firmness (25%) after 12 weeks compared to a placebo. This research concludes that hydrolyzed marine collagen is safe, well-tolerated, and effective for enhancing skin health in aging individuals. 1

2. Vitamin D3 

Vitamin D is essential for numerous bodily functions. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form the skin produces in response to sunlight, while D2 (ergocalciferol) sources include mushrooms, lichen, and spinach. Despite being known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' sunny climates are by far not a guarantee for providing a 'comfort zone' regarding the possible occurrence of this fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, making supplementation an essential part of an optimal wellness plan.

Health Benefits:

  • Enhances Skin Repair and Regeneration: Vitamin D3 promotes skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism, aiding in the healing of damaged skin. Many epidemiological studies have suggested that vitamin D may be protective in decreasing cancer risk and cancer-associated mortality. Vitamin D has numerous mechanisms of action, but when it comes to its involvement in reducing skin cancer risk, it appears to be involved in cellular arrest, triggers apoptotic pathways, inhibits angiogenesis, and can alter cellular adhesion. 2

3. Annatto Seed Tocotrienols 

Tocotrienols and tocopherols are two subgroups of the antioxidant-infused vitamin E family. Early research on vitamin E predominately focused on its tocopherols. Still, upon closer examination of the tocotrienol component, it appears that tocotrienols, especially those naturally derived from the annatto seed, maybe the Vitamin E of the 21st Century. Annatto seed is from the nutrition-rich bean pods of the South American achiote tree‚ (Bixa orellana) and the richest plant source of tocotrienols, especially delta-tocotrienol, the most potent form of vitamin E. 

Health Benefits:

  • Protects Skin from Oxidative Damage: Tocotrienols neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging. 3 Their ability to reduce levels of oxidative stress is significant and can help protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage, which contributes to aging, and increases the risk of developing chronic diseases.

4. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin and lutein are vital nutrients for eye health. These specific carotenoids act in tandem for vision support and are both stored and concentrated in the macula and fovea of the eye where they act as natural filters for harmful blue light and powerful antioxidants that protect delicate eye tissues from damage. Pro-vitamin A carotenoid-rich foods, such as pumpkin, grapes, and dark green vegetables, help keep your vision sharp and healthy. Because carotenoids are fat-soluble, enjoy these veggies with healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, or nuts for the best absorption.

Health Benefits of Zeaxanthin:

  • Shields Eyes from Harmful Blue Light and Reduces the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Zeaxanthin absorbs blue light, protecting the retina and lowering the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by safeguarding the eye's photoreceptor cells. 4

Health Benefits of Lutein:

  • Filters Harmful UV Rays and Supports Visual Function and Clarity: Lutein acts as a natural sunblock for the eyes, filtering out harmful UV rays while also enhancing visual performance and clarity, especially in low-light conditions. 4

5. Aloe (Acemannan-Rich)

Acemannan, a dynamic complex polysaccharide derived from the inner leaf of Aloe vera, has been extensively studied for its healing and skin- and tissue-rehabilitating properties, including wound repair, protection from UV radiation-induced tissue damage, antioxidant nutrients, antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulatory, and prebiotic effects. You can read more about aloe vera's dynamic healing properties here.

Health Benefits:

  • Soothes and Hydrates the Skin and Mucous Membranes: Aloe vera gel provides nutritive antioxidant vitamins and deep hydration to calm irritated skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare and digestive support products. Offering beauty from within, a study in women over 45 years old found that three months of taking 1,200 milligrams of inner-leaf aloe powder each day resulted in significant improvement in facial wrinkles and skin elasticity, as well as a non-statistically significant increase in fibroblast activation and procollagen gene expression. 5,6 This suggests that aloe vera supplements derived from the inner leaf, naturally rich in acemannan, not only soothe tissue issues of the digestive tract but also reduce the signs of aging by promoting skin health.

ALOE-ADE RECIPE

For a thirst-quenching, antioxidant-packed boost, mix the following ingredients in a 16-oz glass, stir, and enjoy revitalizing refreshment.

Ingredients:

  • 8-10 ounces filtered water (hot, room temperature, or sparkling)
  • 4-6 ounces organic lemonade
  • 1 scoop berry-fortified aloe powder
  • Optional: 1-2 drops of ionic minerals OR a few sprinkles of pink sea salt

6. Pink Salt

Pink salt, solar-dried and pristinely sourced, can be a dietary source of trace minerals beneficial for overall health. Be sure your Pink Salt is free from toxic tagalongs, including anti-clumping ingredients like sodium aluminosilicate, stearic acid, or sodium ferrocyanide.

Health Benefits:

Balances Electrolytes, Supports Hydration and Provides Essential Trace Minerals: Pink salt contains essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which help maintain electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. These electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function, hydration, blood pH, blood pressure, and tissue repair while providing minerals supporting various bodily functions, including nerve transmission and muscle contraction. 7

7. Ionic Minerals

Our pH mineral blend offers over 70 ionic minerals that quench thirst, soothe stress, and regulate the body’s pH levels, which are crucial for normal cell function, muscle contraction, and overall health. This dynamic blend includes magnesium (for energy production, muscle function, and sleep quality), chloride (for hydration and electrolyte balance), sulfur (for joint health and detoxification), lithium (for mood and cognitive function), and boron (for strong bones and hormonal balance). 8 Add a few drops of our ionic mineral concentrate to your water and experience the difference it can make.

Health Benefits:

  • Supports Optimal pH Balance: Maintaining a balanced pH is crucial for overall health and wellness. The blend of ionic minerals helps neutralize excess acidity and maintain the body's pH balance, promoting optimal metabolic function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Enhances Nutrient Absorption and Vitality: Ionic minerals can improve enzymatic activity and gut function, leading to better nutrient absorption, increased energy levels, and overall vitality. They can also help replenish electrolytes lost through exercise or dehydration and support bone health through enhanced calcium metabolism and bone mineralization.

 

Radiant Wellness Essentials

Integrating these seven essential ingredients into your wellness routine can significantly enhance skin and eye health, promoting overall well-being. From collagen's skin-boosting properties to aloe's tissue-soothing effects, each ingredient plays a vital role in maintaining radiant health.

These key ingredients naturally support radiant skin and sharp vision daily, especially during the summer when hydration and replenishment are crucial.

‡ The products and claims made about specific products on or through this Site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
 
‡ This Site is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Products, services, information, and other content provided on this Site, including information that may be provided on this Site directly or by linking to third-party websites are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult accredited healthcare professional organizations, evidence-based herbal monographs, and published clinical research regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options.

References 

  1. Evans M, Lewis ED, Zakaria N, et al. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(3):825-834. doi:10.1111/jocd.13676. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32799362/. Accessed on 7/15/2024.
  2. Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA. Vitamin D and the skin: Focus on a complex relationship: A review. J Adv Res. 2015;6(6):793-804. doi:10.1016/j.jare.2014.01.011. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4642156/. Accessed on 7/15/2024.
  3. Khor BH, Tiong HC, Tan SC, et al. Effects of tocotrienols supplementation on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2021;16(7):e0255205. Published 2021 Jul 23. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0255205. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8301652/. Accessed on 7/15/2024.
  4. Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Kucharska E, et al. Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Neurodegenerative Disease. Nutrients. 2022;14(4):827. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.3390/nu14040827. Available at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8874683/ Accessed on 7/15/2024.
  5. Surjushe, Amar et al. “Aloe vera: A short review.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, vol. 53, no. 4, 2008, pp. 163-6. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/. Accessed on 7/16/2024.
  6.  Cho, Soyun et al. “Dietary aloe vera supplementation improves facial wrinkles and elasticity and it increases the type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo.” Annals of Dermatology, vol. 21, no. 1, 2009, pp. 6-11. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883372/. Accessed on 7/16/2024.
  7. Fayet-Moore F, Wibisono C, Carr P, et al. An Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Pink Salt Available in Australia. Foods. 2020;9(10):1490. Published 2020 Oct 19. doi:10.3390/foods9101490. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7603209/. Accessed on 7/3/2024.
  8. Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Fact Sheets. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-VitaminsMinerals/ Accessed on 7/15/2024.

Jenny Perez is an herbal educator, researcher, and writer who has been immersed in the field of nutrition and botanical medicine for more than 20 years. Jenny has created curriculum, content, and educational materials for Quantum Nutrition Labs, Premier Research Labs, the American Botanical Council, and Bastyr University’s Botanical Medicine Department where she was Adjunct Faculty, Herb Garden Manager, and Director of the Holistic Landscape Design certificate program.