3 Evidence Based Ways To Reverse Skin

Aging Naturally
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Posted on:
Wednesday, July 31st 2013 at 12:45 pm
Written By:
Sayer Ji, Founder

Our aging skin is the target of billions of dollars worth of marketing, the object of a continual
stream of cosmetics, drugs and 'nutraceuticals' promising to deliver age-defying results. But what
really works? What does the scientific evidence say?

In this article we discuss three proven natural interventions that are generally considered safe,
affordable and effective.

Pine Bark Extact (Pycnogenol)

A 2012 study involving 112 women found pine bark extract (PBE) safe and effective in
significantly improving skin color and reducing pigmentation of age spots due to mild to
moderate photoaging.[1]

Before (left) and 6 months after (right) treatment of photodamaged skin with oral pine bark extract. Image Source

The women were randomized to either a 12-week open trial regimen of 100 mg pine bark extract
supplementation once daily or to a parallel-group trial regimen of 40 mg PBE supplementation
once daily. The researchers reported, "A significant decrease in clinical grading of skin
photoaging scores was observed in both time courses of 100 mg daily and 40 mg daily PBE
supplementation regimens."

Aloe Vera Gel

A 2009 study of 30 healthy female subjects over the age of 45, and who received 2 different oral
doses (low-dose: 1,200 mg/d, high-dose: 3,600 mg/d) of aloe vera gel supplementation for 90
days, saw remarkable results. The researchers measured clinical signs and biochemical changes
of aging skin before and after supplementation and found that "After aloe gel intake, the facial
wrinkles improved significantly (p<0.05) in both groups, and facial elasticity improved in the
lower-dose group." They concluded: "Aloe gel significantly improves wrinkles and elasticity in
photoaged human skin."[2]
Read More: Research: A Teaspoon of Aloe a Day Reverses Signs of Skin Aging.

Smoking Cessation
A 2010 study evaluated the benefits on the skin obtained by cessation of smoking in a sample of
64 Italian women who smoke, and who, over a period of 9 months, were followed by a team of
dermatologists, psychologists and nutritionists.[3]
Each participant was given a clinical score to measure each of several criteria of skin health and
appearance. Participants' skin was assessed on the basis of presence of lines, vascular and
pigmentation state, elasticity, brightness, and texture.

These measurements were then used to determine a biological age of the skin. At the beginning
of the study the average biological age of participants was 9 years older than their chronologic
age. Amazingly, after 9 months after cessation of smoking, the average reduction of the
biological age of the patient's skin was 13 years.
Read More: Skin Aging Reversed 13 Years in Just 9 Months By Doing This.

Concluding Remarks
The health and quality of our skin reflects what's going on inside. No magic supplement will
reverse the age-accelerating effects of a poor diet, a chronically stress-producing lifestyle,
chemical exposures, etc. The point of the studies above is that simple nutritional interventions,

e.g. a teaspoon of aloe vera, a concentrated antioxidant source, the cessation of a daily chemical
exposure, will support truly regenerative processes within the body that are operating all the
time and are best supported through organically produced, lovingly prepared food.
For additional research view: 84 Natural Substances for Aging Skin.

[1] Minao Furumura, Noriko Sato, Nobutaka Kusaba, Kinya Takagaki, Juichiro Nakayama. Oral
administration of French maritime pine bark extract (Flavangenol()) improves clinical
symptoms in photoaged facial skin. Clin Interv Aging. 2012 ;7:275-86. Epub 2012 Jul 27.
PMID: 22956863
[2] Soyun Cho, Serah Lee, Min-Jung Lee, Dong Hun Lee, Chong-Hyun Won, Sang Min Kim, Jin
Ho Chung. Dietary Aloe Vera Supplementation Improves Facial Wrinkles and Elasticity
and It Increases the Type I Procollagen Gene Expression in Human Skin in vivo. Ann
Dermatol. 2009 Feb;21(1):6-11. Epub 2009 Feb 28. PMID: 20548848
[3] Riccarda Serri, Maria Concetta Romano, Adele Sparavigna. "Quitting smoking rejuvenates
the skin": results of a pilot project on smoking cessation conducted in Milan, Italy.
Skinmed. 2010 Jan-Feb;8(1):23-9. PMID: 20839421

Sayer Ji is the founder of GreenMedInfo.com, an author, researcher, lecturer, and an advisory

board member of the National Health Federation. Google Plus Profile. His writings have been
published and referenced widely in print and online, including, Truthout, Mercola.com, New
York Times online, The Journal of Gluten Sensitivity, New York Times and The Well Being
Journal.
He founded Greenmedinfo.com in 2008 in order to provide the world an open access, evidencebased resource supporting natural and integrative modalities. It is widely recognized as the most
widely referenced health resource of its kind.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views
expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.