Anyone who cares about the health and appearance of their skin ought to be interested in the best sun protection available. Why? Aside from health issues including skin cancer, sun exposure causes up to 90% of the visible changes attributed to aging, and even identical twins with a difference in sun exposure have a perceived age difference of 11 years? Even exposure we generally do not think about, like rays hitting the sides of our faces through windows–can cause significant skin aging; if you do not believe me, take a look at this gentleman, a truck driver who experienced cumulative skin damage from years of the sun hitting the left side of his face through his driver’s side window. Sun protection is not just for the photosensitive like myself; it is for anyone at all concerned about the future and health of their skin. As a person with photosensitive lupus, I wear sunscreen religiously. Yet even I find it nearly impossible to be sure I’ve applied sunscreen optimally, never mind to remember to reapply it every few hours! In fact, studies show that most of us do not apply sunscreen optimally.

Because of this, I try to use supplemental protection in addition to sunscreen. Having tried a number of photoprotective supplements, Sunsafe Rx is easily one of the best. As opposed to drinkable supplements, Sunsafe Rx comes in easily-to-swallow capsule form, and the big advantage of capsule form is that you get all the benefits of Sunsafe Rx’s contents (photoprotective antioxidants and omegas) without having to taste a thing. With Sunsafe Rx, just one capsule 60 minutes before sun exposure or, if you are like me, every morning before you face the day. Taking it is really easy, and I am happy to say that I had no trouble taking Sunsafe Rx on an empty stomach, nor did I experience any bad aftertaste whatsoever.

In addition to being highly photo-protective (see full ingredient list below), SunSafe Rx is also highly anti-inflammatory and contains actives that help to preserve collagen and elastin, as well as actives that protect skin from the oxidative stress of UV rays. These multifaceted benefits come from its proprietary blend of natural ingredients in the Antioxidine Complex, a blend that has been clinically shown to: preserve collagen and elastin while delivering a whole-body photoprotective effect for the skin against UVA and UVB–all without inhibiting production of the body’s own Vitamin D. Not only that, Sunsafe Rx inhibits the formation of wrinkles and sunspots. Examining the specific ingredients of the Antioxidine Complex, and the evidence behind each of them, it becomes clear that this is a supplement carefully formulated with research-backed ingredients designed to deliver a wealth of skin (and eye) protective benefits. You can take a look at the ingredients in the SunSafe Rx Antioxidine Complex below (for more information on any of them, click the link):

–Polypodium Leucotomos Leaf Extract (PLE)-used in Central America for hundreds of years and in Europe for decades to protect skin from the sun, also a potent inflammation fighter 

—Green Tea Extract–Loaded with polyphenols including a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant which has demonstrated photoprotection in human skin and prevents wrinkles 

—Grape Seed Extract—shown to inhibit UV-induced skin damage and plays an important role in the maintenance of collagen and elastin 

—Lycopene–An extremely powerful antioxidant known to be outstanding at protecting skin from solar ultraviolet radiation and preventing wrinkles 

—Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, and Gamma-Carotene–Prevent sun damage and can be converted to natural Vitamin A in the skin 

—Phytoene and Phytofluene–Absorb ultraviolet light, protect against ultraviolet oxidative damage, and prevent inflammation 

—Lutein–Extremely important in eye and skin health and may help protect against age-related macular degeneration 

—Zeaxanthin–Along with lutein, protects skin and eyes from damaging blue and ultraviolet light 

—Astaxanthin–Found in algae and many different kinds of seafood including salmon; protects tissue from oxidative damage and environmental stressors including sunlight 

—Selenium–Necessary for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 

—Zinc–The essential element of the proficient antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 

—Vitamin C--An essential nutrient in the synthesis of collagen 

—Vitamin E--An essential lipid and antioxidant 

—Omega-3–DHA and EPA are essential nutrients for human health and components of healthy skin 

SunSafe Rx Supplement Facts

 Sunsafe Rx is as easy to take as a multivitamin. Just one pill a day provides protection that does not rub off. I have not seen a better blend of skin-protective and beneficial ingredients anywhere. I believe it is the single best skin supplement I can take, because in just a capsule a day, Sunsafe Rx is highly UV-protective, prevents signs the formation of wrinkles and sunspots, promotes skin health, reduces inflammation, and prevents the breakdown of precious collagen and elastin.  As someone with photosensitive lupus, my health depends on adequate UV protection; I trust SunSafe Rx to boost the effectiveness of any sunscreen I use and to protect my health.  As the icing on the cake, SunSafe Rx is also probably the most important anti-aging product I use.  

CONCLUSION: Highly Recommended.

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 MitoQ supplementation seems to be particularly helpful for:

• Low energy–MitoQ has been shown to benefit individuals with extreme fatigue related to neurological conditions.
• Anti-aging–MitoQ reduces cellular damage associated with chronic oxidative stress and improves cellular energy production for optimal cell function and repair
• Mitochondrial dysfunction–which may be a primary or secondary issue in hundreds of conditions and diseases

In terms of energy, by protecting the energy source (mitochondria), individual cells have more energy and can do their jobs more efficiently. Our energy levels dip with age in part because our mitochondria are no longer working as well as they once did due to oxidative damage.  With MitoQ, we can better protect our mitochondria with direct antioxidant delivery, providing a cascade of benefits that ultimately result in increased energy and wellness. MitoQ reduces free radical damage to organs and, by improving cellular functioning, helps to slow the aging process.

Researchers have stated that oxidative stress is the “mother” of many conditions, and it is secondary to even more ailments. In line with this, MitoQ has been shown to be
helpful for a variety of specific conditions and diseases.  Just a quick scan of the news and animal/human research summaries, and it quickly becomes obvious that MitoQ has relevance to many issues (e.g., cardiovascular disease, neurological issues, hypertension, heart failure, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, ALS, diabetes, even perhaps anxiety).
What about lupus? Although, to my knowledge, MitoQ has not been specifically studied in regards to lupus, there is evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in lupus, such that MitoQ could potentially be beneficial.  Additionally, since fatigue is a prominent lupus symptom MitoQ’s energy-boosting properties may help increase day-to-day well being and functioning in those of us with lupus. Based on my positive experience (in next section), I personally am hopeful.

While MitoQ supplementation may have particularly important benefits for specific conditions, it is also is likely to benefit nearly anyone in terms of energy and cellular functioning. The scientists behind MitoQ have created a range of supplements to address both general anti-aging as well as specific concerns.  The targeted supplements combine mitoquinol with ingredients designed to provide a specific benefit. Having had the chance to try the entire range, I can vouch for the high quality. The full range of MitoQ nutraceuticals is comprised of:

• MitoQ with mitoquinol
• MitoQ Heart with added D3, magnesium, and l-carnitine,
• MitoQ Blood Sugar with added zinc, chromium, and cinnamomum
• MitoQ Liver with added selenium, choline, and milk thistle
• MitoQ +GLME with added vitamin E and New Zealand green lipped mussel oil (for joint and breathing support)
• MitoQ +Curcumin with added Longvida optimized curcumin (to support brain, digestive, and immune health)

 

 

MitoQ as a Topical: Anti-Aging Skin Care

MitoQ is also available as a topical, MitoQ Classic Cellular Energising Creme Serum.  Applied topically, MitoQ Creme Serum energizes the mitochondria, which in turn rejuvenates skin cells.  The results are increased elasticity, densifying effect, and a reduction in wrinkles, age spots, and redness.  These results have been demonstrated in clinical trials; MitoQ was independently tested by the London Dermatology Clinic and in just 8 weeks, MitoQ Cellular Energising Creme Serum produced a 65% decrease in wrinkles, decrease in redness, up to 70% improvement in skin texture.

MitoQ Classic Cellular Energising Creme Serum

As a chronic inflammatory condition, the elevated inflammatory factors in lupus exacerbate skin cell damage, MMP expression, the release of elastase,
ECM degradation, and generation of ROS, all of which accelerates aging. Moreover, when the immune system goes awry as it does in
lupus, the epidermal barrier no longer functions optimally in its protective and hydrating functions. Lupus also tends to involve extreme photosensitivity
that generally corresponds with bad photo-damage.  All this is to say, my skin is challenging and has been aging faster than it should, and I’m a tough skin care customer?  Was MitoQ’s Classic Serum helpful for me?   See for yourself.

Before MitoQ

After MitoQ

I have tried all sorts of serums and creams in an effort to find products that deliver visible anti-aging results without triggering inflammation or skin irritation.  MitoQ is one of few products I have found that is effective at lessening skin inflammation and simultaneously making a significant difference in wrinkles, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging. I started to see a positive difference the first week, and the results have been ongoing.  Even my stubborn worry lines have begun to fade!  My skin is less fragile, less irritated, and less lined. Overall, I am impressed with MitoQ Classic Cellular Energising Creme Serum, though I am not sure that my wrinkles will be reduced by 65% by the time I reach 8 weeks of use.  Nonetheless, I  recommend MitoQ Classic Serum as an effective anti-aging topical that is gentle enough, and even beneficial for, sensitive and reactive skin.

The post MitoQ Supplement and Serum Review: Reviving Spirit and Skin? appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

UVO is the first sun-protective skin-beautifying supplement you can drink.  As someone photosensitive who’s not too fond of premature aging, I require UV protection. I wear sunscreen . . .but I find it nearly impossible to reapply as often as recommended (every two hours!?) or to know whether I’m applying enough for optimal protection (a lot of us don’t). The truth is, very few of us actually apply sunscreen effectively.  I look at sun-protective supplements not as replacement, but as a backup.

UVO’s creator is Dr. Bobby Awadalla, a dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon. What he’s crafted in UVO is a refreshing drink that contains a synergistic blend of over 30 antioxidants, phytonutrients, and vitamins scientifically proven to offer sun protection and skin benefits from the inside out.  When I read about this, I was extremely curious to try UVO. I wondered how it could possibly taste good with such a potent supplemental blend. On first sip, I was impressed.  This is not a drink you have to choke down.

UVO features Orange Peach flavor and comes in two varieties: ready-to-drink bottles and individual drink mix packets.  Having enjoyed both, UVO bottles (60 calories) may have a slight edge in sheer deliciousness, but it’s a close call, and UVO drink mix (15 calories) has the benefits of being ultra portable and  mixing easily in water or any drink. Personally, I love an UVO bottle or UVO powder mixed in an energy drink first thing in the morning.  I’m not the only one who likes it. In reading what others had to say about UVO, it seems that many other (including kids, who can be tough critics) happily drink it as well. Even though UVO is packed with sun-protective and skin-beneficial ingredients, it doesn’t taste like a supplement, nor does it seem to cause nausea on an empty stomach.

The post UVO Review: the Sun Protection that Quenches Your Thirst appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

If you are interested in a product that will elevate your UV defense while improving several aspects of skin aging, then you will certainly want to know about  Bend Beauty Anti-Aging ($80).  The product comes in both liquid and capsule form and contains six ingredients in a synergistic blend designed to rejuvenate skin and boost UV protection. I was fortunate enough to get to try the liquid. The 40-serving bottle is 6.8 ounces and should be refrigerated after opening.  A serving is just 1 teaspoon per day. The liquid itself has a light oily consistency with a pleasant tangerine flavor that mixes easily into beverages.

Beyond UV protection, Bend Beauty Anti-Aging potentially has additional advantages for those of us with lupus skin involvement, as it is approved by Health Canada for: reducing skin inflammation, increasing hydration, increasing elasticity/firmness, and treating eczema.  The benefits of the product are cumulative, and  the biggest rewards (e.g., increase in skin firmness, elasticity, and fine lines) may take a few months of use. Yet having taken Bend Beauty Anti-Aging for just two weeks, my skin is already better hydrated and feels smoother to the touch.

Conclusion:  Although the price ($80) may seem steep at first glance, Bend Beauty Anti-Aging has been proven to deliver a multitude of skin-healing and anti-aging benefits in addition to UV protection. Just two weeks in, I can vouch for the fact that this is not simply a sun-protection supplement, but rather a comprehensive blend designed to rejuvenate skin and minimize inflammation as well.  When I briefly stopped taking Bend Beauty to try another sun-protective supplement, I noticed my skin getting drier, so I returned to taking this as quickly as possible. I highly recommend Bend Beauty Anti-Aging for anyone concerned about: photodamage, skin aging, skin inflammation, skin hydration, and skin firmness.
Bend Beauty Anti-Aging consists of a synergistic blend of beneficial ingredients, all of which are clearly listed with potencies so that you know what you are taking. Bend Beauty Anti-Aging has the potential to benefit nearly anyone, but particularly those of us with lupus/photosensitivity/chronic inflammation, as it contains potent levels of EPA, DHA, and vitamin D, all of which are associated with lessened disease activity and a myriad of health benefits. For those who can afford it, Bend Beauty Anti-Aging represents a true innovation in skin care and in taming overall inflammation.

If you are interested in trying Bend Beauty Anti-Aging and are on the fence, it is nice to know that the company wants customers to be satisfied and offers a generous 60-day return policy, should you have any issue at all with the quality of your purchase.

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