Using Nutraceuticals to Help Manage the Aging Process

While aging itself might be unavoidable, many of the negative health and beauty effects associated with the aging process are, in fact, preventable to some degree. By taking nutraceuticals, also known as dietary supplements, you slow many of the external signs of aging, including wrinkles, age spots and other skin damage.

Vitamin E, also known as alpha tocopherol, is one of the most important dietary supplements to forestall the appearance of aging. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that lead to wrinkles and age spots.

Vitamin C is another nutraceutical that acts as an antioxidant, negating the effects of free radicals in your body. Vitamin C is also special because it helps your body generate other antioxidants, including vitamin E. Topical applications of vitamin C also block UV radiation, the root cause of many free radicals.

If you are troubled by puffy eyes or dark circles under your eyes, vitamin K might be able to help. While there are many causes of dark circles, the one associated with aging is weakened capillaries, a condition that vitamin K helps prevent.

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, helps rejuvenate your appearance in a few ways. First, it helps your skin retain moisture, plumping to fill fine lines and wrinkles. It also prevents dry, scaly skin that weakens your natural barrier against disease. Niacin also has internal health benefits; it lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The most powerful anti-aging vitamin is vitamin A. As with other vitamins, it is an antioxidant. Vitamin A also carries other benefits, including reducing fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles under your eyes. A proper amount of vitamin A also helps prevent osteoporosis.

Taking vitamins and eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet are two of the best ways to slow the signs of aging. Many topical products also allow you to apply these vitamins directly to your skin. Along with their many anti-aging effects, the nutraceuticals listed here are also important for good general health.