Broad Spectrum Antioxidant Skin Care

For Younger-Looking Skin

The Broad Spectrum Antioxidant from VitaMedica was designed for individuals who are exposed to free-radical formation, especially from exposure to ultraviolet light or who shows signs of photo-aging including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, age spots and thinning/sagging skin. Typically, such individuals are 35 years of age or older.

What are the benefits of Broad Spectrum Antioxidant?

As we age, our ability to make collagen and elastin, two important proteins that comprise the skin, is diminished. Broad Spectrum Antioxidant provides key nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, E and zinc that are important for the development of these important proteins. As a result of aging, our ability to eliminate free-radicals is also diminished. Broad Spectrum Antioxidant contains a blend of antioxidants such as green tea, grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba, cysteine and alpha-lipoic acid that have potent antioxidant properties which help to neutralize and eliminate free-radicals. Since the majority of free-radicals are formed from exposure to ultraviolet light, protection from ultraviolet light is necessary to prevent future skin damage.

What are free-radicals and how do antioxidants work?

A free-radical is a molecule that can easily bond with another molecule or atom because it has an unpaired electron. This in turn creates chemical reactions that can wreck havoc on the body. Free-radicals form as a by-product of normal cellular activity. In addition, exposure to ultraviolet light, pollution and cigarette smoke also contribute to free-radical formation. Even diet and stress can affect the level of free-radical formation in the body. This is important because excessive free-radical formation can damage cells and tissue. Researchers also believe that free-radical damage contributes to aging.

Fortunately, the body has a number of mechanisms in place to neutralize free-radicals. Three enzymes are particularly important in this process and include superoxide dismutase, catalase,and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes act as antioxidants by bonding with the unpaired electron, thereby neutralizing its potential damaging effect on the body.

Can nutritional supplements prevent photo-aging?

Yes. Sun, wind, heat, dryness and pollution are types of environmental factors that affect the skin. Photo-aging is the most common type of environmental damage and is the result of repeated and excessive exposure to UV radiation. It can result in skin that is wrinkled, discolored and sagging. In essence, photo aging is really the outward representation of considerable free-radical production in the body. While the body produces a number of enzymes designed to eliminate and neutralize free-radicals, a number of essential nutrients also play a role in this process. Of particular importance are vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and selenium. By supplementing with these powerful antioxidants, the body has extra ammunition to protect itself against free-radical damage. Because antioxidants quench free-radical damage, they in fact help to prevent photo-aging.

What levels of the skin do nutritional supplements effect?

Although today's topical products have come a long way in improving their delivery systems, the reality is that these products can't really penetrate below the epidermal layer. This is because the skin's defense system is designed to make penetration difficult to prevent against the elements and infection. The system also protects the skin from the loss of moisture, hormones, proteins and essential nutrients. Unlike topical treatments, nutritional supplements are delivered to the epidermis and to the dermal layer via the bloodstream. In this way, essential nutrients help to build new cells (including collagen and elastin), provide free-radical protection and contribute to a host of other skin cellular activities.

What is the bi-directional approach used by VitaMedica?

The bi-directional approach describes the combination of external, or topical, skin care and internal skin care. It provides a synergistic effect that gives the skin its greatest potential for health and beauty.

Some of the nutrients in Broad Spectrum Antioxidant are well above the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Why are the amounts this high and are they safe?

The RDAs or Recommended Daily Allowances are nutritional guidelines that were originally established in 1941 by the National Academy of Sciences. Since their establishment, many studies have been conducted regarding the use of vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutritional supplements. The guidelines reflect the minimum requirements to achieve health but do not take into consideration sex, age, weight, activity levels and other dietary factors. For this reason, the RDAs are viewed as being deficient particularly as it relates to key antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Instead, Optimal Dosages have been established by industry leaders and better reflect requirements based on recent findings from research and longitudinal studies. Each VitaMedica supplement has been formulated to contain optimal amounts of each ingredient that provide for efficacy and safety.

What are the key ingredients in Broad Spectrum Antioxidant and why are they important?

• Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble essential nutrient that must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Vitamin A is especially important for the skin because it can prevent skin disorders and help treat superficial wrinkles. Vitamin A can be quite effective for skin conditions that involve hyperkeratosis including acne and psoriasis. This nutrient is also needed for maintenance and repair of epithelial tissue and helps remove age spots.

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that these carotenoids, often found in combination, provide antioxidant protection to skin cells. Lutein also reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in adults.

• Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble essential nutrient that is important for antioxidant protection. Vitamin C plays a primary role in the formation of collagen and is needed for tissue growth and repair. This important nutrient promotes the healing of wounds and protects against blood clotting and bruising. It also protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer and enhances immunity.

• Vitamin E, refers to a group of fat-soluble essential nutrients called tocopherols. Of the eight tocopherols, the most effective is d-alpha-tocopherol (also known as natural Vitamin E). Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that prevents oxidation of fats and Vitamin A. Vitamin E also promotes healing, healthy skin and hair. This nutrient retards aging, enhances UV blockers in sunscreen and is a natural moisturizer.

• Zinc is a trace mineral that is essential for protein synthesis and collagen formation. Zinc is also an antioxidant that promotes a healthy immune system and aids in the healing of wounds. Zinc increases the absorption of vitamin A and helps to prevent acne and to regulate the activity of the oil glands.

• Copper is a trace mineral that aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin and red blood cells. Copper works in balance with vitamin C and zinc to form elastin, essential for the formation of collagen.

• Selenium is a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant that inhibits the oxidation of fats and protects vitamin E.

• Manganese is a trace mineral that is a key element in the production of enzymes needed to neutralize free radicals.

• Alpha lipoic acid is a versatile antioxidant that functions in either water-soluble or fat-soluble environments. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) also regenerates other antioxidants.

• Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is important for healthy skin functioning. Cysteine aids in the production of collagen and promotes proper skin elasticity and texture. Cysteine is also a powerful detoxifier of alcohol, smoke and environmental pollutants.

• Grape seed extract is an antioxidant that belongs to a group of plant flavonoids called proanthocyanidins or OPCs for short. Flavonoids give plants their color but also provide significant antioxidant protection. The antioxidant activity of OPCs is about 50 times greater than that of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. OPCs are particularly important for supporting the development and preventing the destruction of collagen.

• Green tea or camellia sinensis is a plant that has traditionally been used for tea but more recently has been studied for its potent antioxidant and anti-tumor protective benefits. Green tea appears to play a role in the prevention of skin and other cancers. Green tea contains a family of protective compounds called polyphenols with the most potent called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. Quality products are standardized to contain two active constituents: 60-80% total polyphenols and 55% EGCG.

• Ginkgo biloba is an herb that is obtained from the Maidenhair tree. This plant has received notoriety recently for its benefits in promoting mental functioning and circulation and increasing the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain and body. However, ginkgo biloba also has excellent antioxidant protective benefits. Quality products are standardized to contain two active constituents - 22-27% glycosides and 5-7% terpene lactones.

• Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant that contains potent liver-protecting substances. The active compound in milk thistle called silymarin also stimulates the production of new liver cells.

The word "chelate" appears after each mineral on the label. What does chelate mean?

In general, our bodies absorb vitamins without much difficulty, but minerals are not absorbed so well. Chelation is a process that combines a mineral with an amino acid. The process of chelation enhances the absorption of the minerals by "fooling" the body into thinking it is absorbing the amino acid attached to the mineral. The mineral is pulled into the body along with the amino acid, ensuring its absorption. Chelated minerals are more expensive because of the extra step required to attach the amino acid to the mineral. However, the expense is worth the cost due to the improved absorption.

Are there other VitaMedica supplements that are recommended for maturing skin?

Yes. It is important to obtain an adequate intake of the essential Omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA). These nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, must be obtained through diet or supplementation. However, most individuals do not get enough essential fatty acids because they are obtained primarily through nuts, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables and cold-water fish such as mackerel and salmon. An excellent source of the essential Omega-3 fatty acid is flax seed oil. Flax seed oil provides the highest concentration of this important nutrient (57% by weight). VitaMedica's Flax Seed Oil supplement is quite beneficial for maturing skin because it provides internal enhanced moisture. 

Contact our plastic surgeons to schedule your skin care consultation. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures and nutritional supplement programs to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534