Hormone Replacement Therapy has been discontinued by millions of American women because the latest research shows the risks of certain forms of cancer may outweigh the benefits in reducing the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
HRT also helped the skin appear more youthful by promoting supple, hydrated, firm youthful skin. Although this was not a major reason for it being prescribed, after stopping HRT many women notice significant, often abrupt, changes in their skin. The skin appears more lax and wrinkled. Because the positive effects of HRT on the skin have been withdrawn the skin appears more lax and wrinkled. The good news is there is a natural solution that offers great hope.
The key reason wrinkles form is due to the depletion of collagen, which is a protein that gives, skin its structure and firmness. With this in mind the best strategy for regaining youthful skin without HRT is to utilize ingredients that are known to promote collagen. These ingredients can be both consumed in the foods we eat and applied topically to the skin via products. This natural and easy approach works even if you are not menopausal or were never on HRT.
Ingredients build collagen by either promoting its production or preventing its breakdown; some do both. This is important because with aging we loose collagen in both ways and it is manufactured more slowly as we age but degenerates more rapidly.
Collagen Promoting Ingredients:
Genistein - an active ingredient shown to promote collagen production by skin fibroblast cells and blocks degenerating enzymes (metalloproteases) in the skin.
Food Sources - tofu, soy milk.
Vitamin C - promotes collagen production and reduces destructive free radicals as an antioxidant.
Food Sources - citrus fruits (grapefruit, orange, lemon) and dark green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, asparagus, kale)
Lycopenes - another potent antioxidant. The more antioxidants one eats or applies to the skin the better as their beneficial effects are additive.
Food Sources - red fruits/vegetables (tomatoes, raspberries, red peppers, beets)
Anthocyanates/Bioflavinoids - yet another class of antioxidants derived from darker berries.
Food Sources - blueberries, blackberries
Green Tea - soothes skin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Food Source - Green Tea
Essential Fatty Acids/Omega Fatty Acids - fats that are essential to the human body, including skin, but the body is incapable of manufacturing. They must therefore be ingested. Improving circulation is one of their most important benefits.
Food Sources - oily fish, avocado, flaxseed, dairy products, nuts (almonds, cashew, pecan, pumpkin)
Vitamin E - an antioxidant vitamin that is an oil.
Food Sources - same food sources as listed for essential fatty acids with the addition of wheat germ, whole grain, meat, poultry, fish, eggs and green leafy vegetables
Vitamin A - necessary for function and health of the skin in general.
Food Sources: carrots, cantaloupe, spinach, sweet potato and dairy products.
Sulfur - a mineral that strengthens skin, nails and hair
Food Sources - olives, celery, cucumber and arugula
