Is Beta Glucan The Next Best Anti Aging Skincare Secret?
       By: Joseph Giordano
Posted: 2007-09-22 10:45:52
For those of you like me who watch late-night TV, you probably have been bombarded with infomercials that promote various anti aging skincare products. Since there are literally hundreds of these products on the market, it is no wonder that we are confused about which product is truly beneficial for our skin. Several of these formulas are manufactured for medical doctors and contain many of the latest cosmeceuticals on the market today. Other products are touted as being able to help reduce facial lines and wrinkles, improve the texture of our skin, and even give our skin an instant "face lift".While some of these products are beneficial for our skin, a good percentage of them also contain synthetic preservatives and fragrances. These chemical substances have been shown to cause allergic reactions in some people, while other ingredients found in these products may cause other serious health problems.One natural compound that has been added to anti aging skin care formulas is beta glucan. This nutrient is sold in health food stores in capsule form. It has been shown in scientific studies to be an effective immune stimulant. Because of the significant increases in cancer and other immune related diseases that we see these days, research scientists are studying several compounds in order to find better ways to naturally stimulate immune system functioning, thus helping to ward off disease.Nutritionists and naturopathic physicians have long maintained the importance of eating grains such as barley and oats as these foods contain beta glucan in their cell walls. Interestingly enough, an important medicinal mushroom called Maiitake also contains beta glucan and has been used to treat cancer. This natural substance, beta glucan, has also been shown to increase T cell count and has helped increase the lifespan of some cancer patients.While the benefits of beta glucan for some forms of cancer have been established, there has been a lot of debate among skincare researchers about the efficacy of beta glucan in the treatment of aging skin since this compound contains a large molecule. In order for any skin care formula to be effective, it must be able to penetrate through the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and pass into the dermis (second layer of skin). The dermis layer of our skin is very important because that is where our collagen fibers are located. As we age, these collagen fibers decrease in number thus causing our skin to wrinkle. One scientific study has shown that beta glucan can penetrate into the second layer of our skin and thereby help diminish the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, it has been shown to help increase the firmness of our skin.This nutrient is not only beneficial because of its cosmetic enhancement benefits but also because it is free of side effects. When compared to the alpha hydroxy skincare formulas, beta glucan does not cause any skin irritation or redness. Some skin care formulas that contain alpha hydroxy acids will also contain beta glucan and aloe vera since they help neutralize the irritating effects of the alpha hydroxys. Alpha hydroxy skincare formulas are beneficial for aging skin since they help remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. But it should be noted that formulas that contain a higher percentage of these acids will cause more severe skin irritation and redness than milder formulas.Are beta glucan skincare creams a more effective anti aging skincare treatment as compared to botox injections?Botox has certainly been helpful with treating wrinkles that exist around the eyes and on the forehead; it also helps reduce scars. However, despite its benefits, this medical treatment must be repeated every few months in order for it to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, there are a number of various side effects associated with this treatment. These include such issues as pain, redness, and a temporary drooping of the skin. Beta glucan, on the other hand, is virtually free of side effects and can also help treat scars and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.Perhaps you should discuss with your dermatologist if adding beta glucan to your skin care regimen is a good treatment option for you. Keep in mind that botox treatments have not been shown to be beneficial for wrinkles that exist around the mouth. This area of the face may be more successfully treated with other natural skincare compounds like beta glucan, along with other cosmeceuticals such as argireline, matrixyl, alpha lipoic acid, and DMAE.It is also good to keep in mind that in most cases there is no one specific skincare compound that can successfully treat aging skin. Instead, a combination of natural substances used collectively will bring about the most desirable results. Beta glucan is one important compound that can be used to treat cosmetic problems, along with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Adhering to a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption are other important factors that can help to maintain healthy skin.Some medical authorities suggest that more scientific studies need to be conducted on beta glucan in order to validate the positive claims made about its anti aging skincare benefits. Other physicians believe that this nutrient is an effective antioxidant and is beneficial in the treatment of cancer, but that it has no anti aging skincare benefits. Despite these conflicting claims, one controlled study conducted in Alberta, Canada has shown that a skincare cream containing this nutrient has a beneficial effect on aging skin.If you decide to incorporate this compound in your skincare regimen, make sure it contains a purified extract of beta glucan. It is important that the product contain a significant amount of this ingredient in order to achieve the most desirable results. The use of beta glucan, along with other natural botanical compounds, may just be one of the best anti aging skincare remedies on the market today.Joseph Giordano has done extensive research on herbs, essential oils, and other natural compounds used to treat different health and skin care conditions. As a teenager and young adult, he suffered from acne and dry skin due to severe sun exposure. Through the use of several natural skin care formulas and medicated creams prescribed by his doctors, he was able to successfully treat his acne and dry skin conditions. He is not a medical doctor, and cannot prescribe, but offers a free educational newsletter to those who subscribe though his website at http://www.natural-products-for-your-skin.com/anti-aging-skincare.html The site focuses on a variety of different skin conditions along with the natural skin care treatments used to treat those situations. The information contained on his site and newsletter should be used for informational purposes only, and not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Trackback url: https://article.abc-directory.com/article/3181