Getting compliments on how ageless we look certainly warms our hearts. Undoubtedly, this appreciation would have the same effect on anyone, regardless of age. Hence, it is understandable that many individuals place a big emphasis on their appearance and well-being, especially when it comes to addressing concerns like crepey skin.
In the past, we’ve discussed the wonders some foods can work for the bone health of your loved ones. Likewise, nutrition can help slow their aging process and make them look and feel timeless. This includes combating issues such as crepey skin, which is characterized by thin, wrinkled skin that resembles crepe paper.
However, our parents or grandparents don’t always have to rely on their diet to obtain the nutrients they need to reduce aging and improve skin elasticity. They can also gain nutrients their body can’t synthesize from products called dietary supplements. These supplements can be particularly helpful in addressing crepey skin and maintaining overall skin health.
At Seasons Retirement, we prioritize the nourishment and well-being of our residents. Hence, our Health & Wellness team is always on hand to discuss and review the nutritional needs of older adults in our communities, including strategies for crepey skin repair.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting some anti-aging supplements and vitamins for older adults. These nutrients include:
Curcumin, an active substance in the turmeric plant, is easily one of the best anti-aging supplements. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at the cellular level, curcumin effectively keeps the skin intact and protects the body from cancer. It can also help improve skin texture and address crepey skin concerns.
Furthermore, curcumin has been proven to activate specific proteins that inhibit cellular senescence – a process where cell division stops, thereby enhancing the cell lifespan. Essentially, this substance can delay aging, reduce the risk of age-related diseases, and contribute to crepey skin repair.
If your parents or grandparents want to add this nutrient to their diet naturally, turmeric is their best option. Alternatively, they can get it from turmeric or curcumin supplements.
According to a scientific report in 2018, Coenzyme Q10 is an anti-aging chemical the body secretes to affect how cells convert energy – a process known as bioenergetics. However, as we age, the body’s CoQ10 level declines, which can contribute to the development of crepey skin.
The good news is that CoQ10 is available as a supplement and has been found to improve various aspects of health in older adults. As an antioxidant, it protects the body against cellular damage while increasing the production of collagen – an essential structural protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent crepey skin.
Moreover, CoQ10 supplements offer several cardiovascular health benefits, including decreased blood pressure, prevention of cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels, and reduced stiffness of the arteries.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that helps protect the body cells from oxidative damage and UV radiation. Since the body can’t naturally synthesize it, your older ones must maintain an optimal intake of this vitamin using supplements or topical treatments.
Vitamin C is one of the anti-aging vitamins, as it plays a functional role in normal body processes like inflammation control, immune control, and maintaining the skin barrier. It has been found that older persons with high blood levels of vitamin C tend to have better control of their cognitive skills, memory, and attention.
Furthermore, this water-soluble vitamin is vital for skin health, enhancing skin hydration, promoting collagen production, and preventing wrinkle formation. It’s particularly effective in addressing crepey skin on the face, neck, and other areas prone to sun damage.
To maintain an optimal level of this essential nutrient in their body, encourage your older ones to incorporate vitamin-C-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, and legumes, into their diet, or consider taking supplements.
Collagen is a structural protein that makes up the connective tissue, bone, cartilage, tendon, and, most importantly, skin. Collagen production, however, begins to decline with age, causing the appearance of aging signs such as crepey skin and loss of elasticity.
Collagen supplements can help the body make up for the collagen it is not producing. This will help slow down the process of aging in your loved one and contribute to crepey skin repair. Depending on your older one’s preference, collagen supplements are available in various forms, including powder and capsule.
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is one of the best anti-aging vitamins. It is essential for numerous body processes and systems, including eyesight, immune system, inflammation regulation, brain health, and maintaining skin texture.
Vitamin E is vital for older adults as it plays a significant role in maintaining skin health and preventing crepey skin. Moreover, vitamin E supplements are effective antioxidants that help to keep the body cells safe from oxidative stress and sun damage.
If your parents or grandparents want to improve their diet, pumpkin, peanut butter, red bell pepper, avocado, snails, crayfish, lobster, and broccoli are some familiar sources of vitamin E. These foods can complement topical treatments for crepey skin.
Resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant, is one of the most popular anti-aging supplements. Some evidence suggests this substance’s anti-aging quality lies in its ability to increase the length of chromosomes.
The same report shows that resveratrol can help delay aging in older people by activating specific signalling proteins called sirtuins. Resveratrol can be found naturally in grapes and berries, while it is an ingredient in red wine.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol compound commonly found in green tea. It offers tremendous benefits to older people’s health, including decreased cancer risk and cardiovascular issues.
EGCG is one of the most effective anti-aging supplements, with a proven track record in preventing age-related diseases and improving skin elasticity. It also enables autophagy – a process that involves degrading damaged cellular materials, which can help in crepey skin repair.
Your older ones can increase their intake of EGCG by drinking more green tea – in place of other beverages – or by taking concentrated green tea extract supplements.
Vitamin A, one of the best vitamins for anti-aging, is a vital nutrient that should form a significant portion of your older one’s diet. It is pretty effective in slowing down the effects of aging on the inner and outer body.
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, has been found to enhance collagen production in older adults, improving skin integrity. In addition, this vitamin can help boost the function of your older one’s immune system and eyes. Eggs, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and salmon are natural sources of vitamin A.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body, primarily found in connective tissues, eyes, and skin. It is critical in keeping skin plump, hydrated, and elastic by attracting moisture. As we age, the body’s production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which can result in dryness and wrinkles. To counteract this, HA supplements can provide significant benefits, particularly for maintaining skin health.
Studies have shown that when taken orally, hyaluronic acid can help improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical applications of HA can also enhance moisture retention, providing immediate skin-plumping effects. According to research published in PMC, HA supplements have been linked to increased skin moisture and reduced wrinkles after regular use.
While HA is often included in skincare routines, its internal benefits are equally significant. Supplementing with hyaluronic acid helps support hydration from within, contributing to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. However, as with any supplement, it’s essential to consult a physician before starting any new regimen to ensure safety, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are renowned for their cardiovascular and brain health benefits and significant anti-aging properties. They are essential fats that help maintain skin health by supporting the skin’s natural barrier, reducing inflammation, and protecting against environmental damage.
Recent studies suggest that omega-3 supplementation can play a key role in slowing the aging process. A study highlighted by Medical News Today showed that daily omega-3 supplementation combined with regular exercise can slow age-related cell changes by improving cell function and reducing oxidative stress. This dual action helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Furthermore, omega-3s help reduce skin dryness, which is a common issue as we age. Their anti-inflammatory properties also reduce the risk of inflammatory skin conditions and protect the skin from UV-induced damage. Omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil or plant-based algae oil, are a simple and effective way to support skin health, reduce visible signs of aging, and improve overall wellness.
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant derived from microalgae, and it’s considered one of the most powerful natural antioxidants available. It’s found in various seafood, such as shrimp and salmon, and is responsible for the pink and red pigments in these foods. This supplement has been shown to have numerous health benefits, particularly in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and UV damage, which contribute to premature aging.
Astaxanthin works by neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative damage to the skin and improving its elasticity. A review of studies published on Healthline indicates that astaxanthin can significantly improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance moisture content by protecting skin cells from UV-induced damage. It also supports the skin’s collagen production, which is vital for maintaining skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Astaxanthin has also been linked to increased skin hydration and a more even skin tone, making it a highly effective supplement for skin health. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce the risk of inflammatory skin conditions. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting use.
Becoming ageless shouldn’t require too much effort from your older relatives, as adequate intake of the proper nutrients alongside moderate exercise should be enough to keep them looking young for a long time. This includes addressing concerns like crepey skin through a combination of dietary supplements and topical treatments.
As we’ve provided a consolidated list of anti-aging supplements and vitamin options for older adults, you might consider discussing how you can incorporate them into your parents’ or grandparents’ diet with them. Additionally, consider other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, peptides, shea butter, and cocoa butter in moisturizers and lotions for crepey skin repair.
Remember, while these supplements can help, it’s also important to protect the skin from further damage. Encourage the use of sunscreen to prevent UV radiation damage, and consider omega-3 fatty acids for overall skin health. With the right combination of nutrients and care, it’s possible to improve skin texture, maintain elasticity, and keep that timeless look we all desire.
Important: Always consult a healthcare provider
While these supplements offer promising benefits for older adults, it’s essential to emphasize that consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial before starting any new supplement. Supplements can interact with medications or pre-existing health conditions, so please seek personalized advice from a physician.