MEN'S SKIN CARE

Skin is the body’s mirror. In addition to its important biological role in protecting the body from the external environment, retaining moisture for the body and regulating body temperature, skin appearance factors into our overall well-being and physical attractiveness.

How we look has always been a concern for most women. Today, men want to look younger and are concerned about their skin’s appearance. The 2004 International SPA Association (ISPA) study noted that there has been a surge of interest in men’s skin care. With more men today concerned about taking care of their skin and hair, it has led to more products and treatments for teens and men, as well as spas offering special services for them.

Skin appearance is linked to overall health and well-being. When we are poorly nourished, stressed or fatigued, our skin shows it. Incorporating some key foods and some nutritional supplements, can help give men’s skin and hair a healthy boost!
Skin Healthy Foods: You are What you Eat!

A diet rich in certain food types are not only good for you, but they can also positively impact skin and hair appearance—for men and women alike. Antioxidants are the skin’s best defense against free radicals (by-products of UV radiation from the sun and air pollution), which can cause premature cell aging. Some research has shown higher levels of antioxidants can help protect the skin from free radicals, especially from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Antioxidant-rich foods can help fight off these culprits that may cause damage to skin. They include: vibrant colored fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), dark green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) and bright yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, cantaloupe, and squash. Strive for at least 5-9 servings of these antioxidant powerhouses each day. Moreover, topical application and oral intake of green tea extract packs an antioxidant punch and may help protect the skin from photoaging.

Other foods containing healthy omega-3 fats, such as in salmon, mackerel, tuna, walnuts, flaxseed oil, may help to promote an even skin tone and condition, as well as help to increase skin radiance and support firmness and elasticity of the skin. Omega-3 fats also help maintain a healthy inflammatory response in the skin.

Men may find it difficult to incorporate all of these foods into their daily diet. Nutritional supplements can help provide these vital nutrients to promote better skin health and appearance. A daily multivitamin for men is a great foundation for a vitamin regimen for healthy skin. Additional antioxidants such as vitamins E and C provide protective benefits. Fish oil provides nutritionally essential omega-3 fats that help to nourish the skin from the inside-out. Don’t forget about water! Staying hydrated is important for providing moisture to the skin. Skin Tip: Use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors to ensure best protection.
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HEALTHY HAIR FOR MEN

Many men at a young age experience hair loss. It can occur for a variety of reasons: medical illness, stress, medications (side effect), or heredity-- which is commonly referred to as androgenetic alopecia. This is the most common type of hair loss, and it can begin at any time in a man`s life, even during his teen years. It usually is caused by the interaction of three factors: an inherited tendency toward baldness, male hormones and increasing age.
Can Diet and Supplements Help?

It is important for men to consume a healthy diet to maintain healthy hair and to minimize hair loss. Other factors need to be considered such as medications that may cause hair loss, as well as medications that may help slow or prevent hair loss. In addition to a healthy well-balanced diet, men can also consider the herb, saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement that is used to maintain urinary tract health and prostate health in men. Furthermore, it may also help prevent hair loss in men. One of the contributing factors to hair loss in men is the conversion of testosterone to dihydroxytestosterone (DHT), by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Blocking this conversion of testosterone to its active form (DHT) can help slow or cease hair loss in men.

One study sought to examine saw palmetto’s effects in treating androgenic alopecia. The study followed 19 healthy men, aged 23-64, with mild-to-moderate androgenic alopecia. The men were given either 200 mg of saw palmetto and 50 mg of beta-sitosterol twice a day or a matching placebo for an average of 4.6 months. Patients were asked to evaluate any changes with respect to their current satisfaction with their hair. Assessments were performed at baseline and at the study’s completion. Sixty percent of the study subjects were rated as improved at the final visit.

To promote healthy hair, men should keep their diet in check and supplement with a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement to fill in any nutrition ‘gaps’. To help prevent or slow hair loss, the herb saw palmetto may be helpful for young men and teens with accelerated hair loss. As always, it is important to first check with your physician or preferred health care provider before starting a supplement regimen, or, adding supplements to your current regimen—especially if you are at risk for any chronic disease and/or are currently taking prescription medication(s). (www.naturemade.com)

Alternative Natural Health

Did you know that there are natural approaches for coping with some common health conditions? As we mature, many of us are looking for natural solutions to help maintain our overall wellness.
Maintain Heart Health Naturally

If you are looking to reduce your cholesterol levels, there are some natural options in addition to taking a statin medication. Plant stanols and sterols supplements have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the body and are available over-the-counter. Studies show that consuming 2-3 grams of plant stanols and sterols help to lower cholesterol an average of 12-15% through physically blocking the absorption of some dietary cholesterol in the gut.

Stanols and sterols are compounds that are naturally found in small amounts in the foods we eat. However dietary intake of these foods only provides us with approximately 0.8 grams of stanols and sterols, which unfortunately isn’t enough to have a lowering effect upon cholesterol levels. This is where supplements can help--a supplement that provides an additional 1.2 grams of stanols and sterols per day can help to lower cholesterol levels naturally.

Are you concerned about high triglycerides? If you are, consider taking a fish oil supplement. Fish oil has been shown to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and may help to lower triglyceride levels. In addition to eating cold water fish, such as salmon, try adding a fish oil supplement to your regimen.

Improve Your Mood Naturally

Some people mistakenly believe that feeling blue is all in your head. Actually, it is clinically proven that mood is affected by levels of certain “feel-good” chemicals produced naturally in the brain. When the body’s supply of these mood-enhancing chemicals drops, people may experience symptoms of depression. This may make these individuals more prone to aches and pains that are commonly found in people who are diagnosed with depression.

While anti-depressants have been clinically proven to treat depression, many people prefer natural methods to improve mood. Supplements containing SAM-e (s-adenosyl-methionine) have been clinically proven to help enhance mood and emotional well-being without side effects because SAM-e is naturally produced in the body.

If you are taking an anti-depressant for depression, you may want to consider adding a ginkgo biloba supplement to your vitamin regimen. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to promote healthy blood circulation. In addition, people who experience sexual dysfunction as a result of taking anti-depressants, have reported that adding ginkgo biloba to their health regimen can greatly improve this condition.

Natural Relief for Joint Discomfort

As we mature, natural wear and tear of the joints is very common and may impact how much exercise and activity our bodies can handle. While some people take anti-inflammatory medications to ease their joint pain inflammation, some studies suggest that the natural anti-inflammatory properties found in omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil may help ease joint discomfort.

Furthermore, joint supplements are growing in popularity. Scientific research demonstrates their effectiveness in relieving joint discomfort from overexertion, promoting cartilage growth and improving overall proper mobility. Three of the most popular joint health supplements include Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

For more information about how natural remedies may work for you, speak to your doctor or health care provider. It’s important to remember that before taking any vitamin or supplement, always consult with your doctor or health care provider
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