People think smooth skin is a result of great genes or a rigorous skin care regimen or getting lots of rest.  And in many respects, that’s true.  It is also a result of what you eat and drink.  Consuming food and beverages for smooth skin consists of eating healthy foods, with lots of fiber, anti-oxidants, low fat, low sodium and drinking LOTS of water.

So what does resveratrol have to do with any of that?

Resveratrol has been touted as an anti-aging wonder element that cures arthritis, high cholesterol, has been proven to enhance cell function, boost energy levels, increase metabolism, contribute to weigh loss, reduce coronary disease and cure cancer. Well — maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but many of those claims are based on laboratory tests on worms, fruit flies, mice and other small animals.

Overall, resveratrol seems to be a high potency supplement that bears serious consideration.

Back to smooth skin and resveratrol

The antioxidant benefits of resveratrol helps to restore cell functions of oxidized cells that have been damaged by free radicals.  Damaging free radicals are caused by harmful sun rays, and pollution in the air.  If you’ve ever smoked or been around smokers your oxidization levels are probably higher than most. Oxidization causes cells to age quickly and lose their property to regenerate healthy cells.  The anti-oxidant found in food and supplements such as resveratrol, can reverse the aging process by restoring healthy functionality to damaged cells.

Resveratrol impacts all of the bodies cells, including skin cells and skin begins to take on a youthful smoothness. Resveratrol also enhances circulation which brings a healthy glow to the skin. The bottom line is that any strong antioxidant will help improve the overall appearance of you skin, while it builds health from the inside out.

Can you eat enough resveratrol to improve your skin?

As you know if you’ve been watching TV at all, resveratrol is primarily found in red wine.  It is also found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts, blue berries and in white wine. Anti-oxidants are also found in green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and mustard greens, along with green cruciferous vegis like brussel sprouts and broccoli.

If you were to focus your diet on getting enough anti-oxidant to over-turn the effects of free-radical damage, you would be eating mostly fruits and vegetables — along with drinking plenty of wine!

The problem with that kind of diet is that you might quickly tire of eating only fruits, vegetables and nuts.  More than that, you’ve got to watch your intake of alcohol if you want to have smooth skin.  Alcohol is a diuretic and as such will dry your skin.  One glass of wine for women each day, and two for men is all that is recommended.  Any more than that dries your skin and can ultimately lead to hardening of the arteries, weight gain, high cholesterol, and other complications.

What’s the best way to get enough anti-aging anti-oxidants?

As with the way of many things in life — moderation is the key.  Eat your fruits and vegetables along with small amounts of carbohydrates and protein — fish and chicken are best, red meats go into the once-a-week category!

Drink only one glass of red wine each day — men can have two.

Drink at least 1 ounce of water for every two pounds you weigh.  So if you weigh 130 pounds, drink 65 ounces of water each day.  You can substitute herbal tea or other non-carbonated, non-caffeine drinks like Crystal Light — but caffeine is a diuretic and carbonation makes you swell. Water is by far the best option — but I do take mine with some no calorie flavoring.

Finally, take a good Resveratrol supplement. The best way to take the supplement is once in the morning, then before bed.  Resveratrol is highly bio-available to the human body and we use it fast. It helps to replenish twice a day.

You will begin to see amazing results quickly and you’ll feel better in the process. Don’t forget your cleansing and moisturizing routine — it all works together for smooth skin!

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• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – start hydrating from the inside out and drink plenty of water.  This is probably the one tip you will see most often. That’s because it is so beneficial to your skin and in fact all bodily functions. Hydration helps to flush toxins out of your body, and leaves your skin plumper and firmer looking with fewer fine lines and face wrinkles. Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol as both act to dehydrate.  Warm water with a dash of honey and lemon can work miracles and herbal tea is a cozy drink on a cold afternoon.

• Moisturize frequently – now we’re talking about hydrating from the outside.  Oil-based moisturizers for an all over body lotion helps to create a barrier between your precious skin and the outside elements. Cocoa butter cream or Shea butter should be applied generously with in moments after a shower or at other times if your skin is feeling dry and itchy.  Moisturizers with an SPF of at least 15 is recommended.

• Use good anti aging lotions on your face, neck, and décolletage – remember, it not just face wrinkles we
  see when we get older; in fact some of the earliest signs of aging appear first in the neck and chest area. Whatever you choose to use on your face, take it all the way down to the neck and chest area.

• Take supplements to moisturize your body from within – flaxseed oil is wonderful as is fish oil, vitamin-E supplements and other oils rich in fatty acids.  Oils help to keep your body in good working order, and can help to preserve skin nutrients.

• Use lip balm liberally – keep a tube of lip balm in your purse, at your desk, in the car and in the pocket
  of your favorite coat.  Never be caught without the ability to liberally apply lip protection and make sure
  it has at least and SPF of 15.

Treat your body with care this winter and next spring you will still have the warm glow from healthy, youthful looking skin!

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