Healthy Skin Formula

1. Who should use Healthy Skin Formula? Healthy Skin Formula is indicated for patients with mild to moderate acne. The product is suitable for patients 12 years or older. This nutraceutical is ideal for individuals who do not eat a well-balanced diet on a consistent basis. Because of the poor dietary habits of people who are 15-30 years of age, Healthy Skin Formula is particularly well-suited for patients in this age group.

2. Who should not use Healthy Skin Formula? Nutritional supplements have an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning the program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women. Healthy Skin Formula contains vitamin A. If you are presently taking Accutane® (isotretinoin) for the treatment of acne, please refrain from taking Healthy Skin Formula until the end of the treatment cycle.

3. How do prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications for acne differ from nutritional supplements? Natural medicines tend to be milder, safer and are far less likely to cause negative reactions. Many topical treatments for the care of acne and inflammatory disorders of the skin are available. While effective, these regimens contain products that generate activity primarily on the outer layer of the skin. Although the topical approach represents the foundation of good skin care, it also makes sense to address what is going on internally. That’s because what is put inside the body is just as important as what is applied externally. Other acne treatments, including prescription medications such as antibiotics and Accutane®, can have powerful activity along with significant side effects.

4. Can diet affect acne and other skin problems? Yes, for certain types of acne and skin problems. This question has garnered significant debate in the medical community. However, it is widely believed that in addition to genetics, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction have an impact on a person’s health status. While hormones can directly impact acne, studies have shown that some acneic patients have intestinal toxemia (toxins build up in the intestine as a result of poor nutrition). Other studies have found that patients with psoriasis and eczema improve their condition with alpha-linolenic (Omega-3) essential fatty acid supplementation. It simply makes sense that the quality of nutrients consumed will affect the quality of an individual’s skin.

5. What is the primary benefit of using Healthy Skin Formula? Healthy Skin Formula contains nutrients that promote skin health, reduce sebum production, enhance inflammatory control and have antiseptic properties.

6. What makes VitaMedica’s Healthy Skin Formula product unique? Healthy Skin Formula is designed to address each of the stages of acne. Although an inflammatory skin condition such as acne can strike at any age, its onset is most often related to a change in hormones. Excess androgen production can cause the sebaceous glands to excrete more sebum. Healthy Skin Formula contains zinc to help regulate testosterone – the primary hormone involved with acne. The supplement also contains vitamin A (carotenoid and palmitate form) to promote normal epithelization of the skin cells and reduce sebum production. Sebum production in turn clogs the follicle and allows a bacterium called p. acnes to build. The result is inflammation and either a white or black head forms depending on whether the pore is closed or open, respectively. Healthy Skin Formula contains MSM – which acts as a natural anti-microbial. Selenium and bromelain are included in the formula to help with inflammation. In other instances, acne can be as a result of a toxic overload of the system. Healthy Skin Formula includes several herbs which help to detoxify and cleanse the blood and skin.

7. Healthy Skin Formula contains vitamin A. Why is vitamin A important for acne? Vitamin A plays a role in skin health because it is needed for the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissue, of which the skin and mucous membranes are composed. Vitamin A stimulates growth of the base layer of the skin cells. It also helps cells to differentiate normally and gives them their structural integrity. Vitamin A plays such an important role in dermal health that many topical acne medications are derivatives of this vitamin including Tazorac®, Differin®, and Retin-A Micro®.

8. Healthy Skin Formula contains vitamin A from palmitate and a carotenoid source (Betatene®). Why are both forms provided? Both forms are provided to ensure safety and efficacy. As a fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin A is stored in the liver and fatty tissue of the body. This creates a concern if too much of this vitamin is taken over time (e.g., upwards of 50,000 IUs on a daily basis, for over 3 months). While Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with a modest dose of vitamin A (12,500 IUs total), it is provided in both the palmitate (7,500 IUs) and carotenoid (5,000 IUs) form. While palmitate is directly available as vitamin A, carotenoids must convert into vitamin A. For the few carotenoids that have vitamin A activity (e.g., beta-carotene), the conversion process is not very efficient. For example, six to twelve times more beta-carotene is required to convert into one retinol unit of vitamin A activity. For this reason, toxicity is not an issue with a carotenoid source. By providing both preformed vitamin A (palmitate) and a natural, mixed blend of carotenoids (Betatene®), Healthy Skin Formula delivers an efficacious, yet safe dose of vitamin A to support healthy skin function.

9. Healthy Skin Formula contains zinc. Why is zinc important for acne? Zinc is a trace mineral that is essential for protein synthesis and collagen formation. Zinc is also very important for the health of the skin. Zinc is involved in the proper metabolism of testosterone, the principal hormone involved in the genesis of acne. The mineral is also involved in vitamin A function, wound healing, immune system activity, inflammatory control and tissue regeneration.

10. Healthy Skin Formula contains selenium. Why is selenium important for acne? Selenium is an antioxidant that works to protect other antioxidants such as vitamin E and is important in keeping tissues elastic. Research has also shown that a deficiency in selenium may play a role in inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Selenium functions in glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme which is very important in preventing the inflammation of acne.

11. Healthy Skin Formula contains chromium. Why is chromium important for acne? Chromium is a trace mineral that works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and is needed for energy. Chromium also improves glucose tolerance and enhances insulin sensitivity. This is important for some acne patients who do not metabolize sugar properly.

12. I noticed in the Supplement Facts panel the word “chelate” after each mineral. What does chelate mean? In general, our bodies absorb vitamins without much difficulty, but minerals are not absorbed as well. Chelation is a process that combines a mineral with an amino acid. This 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 attached the amino acid to the mineral. However, this expense is worth it due to the improved absorption.

13. Healthy Skin Formula contains bromelain. Why is bromelain important for acne? Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme (digests protein) that is extracted from the stem of the pineapple. When taken in a therapeutic dose, Bromelain is helpful in reducing inflammation which often accompanies an acne flare-up.

14. Healthy Skin Formula contains MSM. Why is MSM important for acne? MSM or methylsulfonylmethane is a natural form of organic sulfur that is necessary for collagen synthesis. MSM is very important in building the sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine. MSM is also a natural antiseptic that works as an antimicrobial. By keeping skin cells soft, MSM allows skin to detoxify. MSM enhances tissue pliability and encourages the repair of damaged skin. The combination of MSM and vitamin C works faster to heal wounds.

15. Healthy Skin Formula contains a number of herbs. Why are these herbs included and what is their importance for acne? The skin has a number of functions including temperature regulation, protection of the underlying tissues, fat storage, and immunity. Along with the kidneys, the skin also plays a role in eliminating toxins from the body. In fact, the skin is often referred to as the “third kidney”. The elimination of toxins through the skin can promote the development of acne. A number of herbs including burdock, dandelion, yellow dock, and Oregon grape, which are included in Healthy Skin Formula, are known for their potent cleansing properties of the skin and blood.

16. What is the recommended dosing for Healthy Skin Formula? The recommended dosing of Healthy Skin Formula is 2 capsules per day, taken with food to maximize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset. The capsules may be taken together or in divided doses.

17. What if an individual has both acne and mature skin – should they take both the Healthy Skin Formula and Broad Spectrum Antioxidant? It is not recommended that patients take both supplements at the same time. The combination would duplicate a certain number of nutrients (vitamin A, zinc, chromium). To avoid duplication and ensure a safe level of vitamin A, Healthy Skin Formula is indicated for patients with acne whereas Broad Spectrum Antioxidant is indicated for patients with mature skin.

18. What other VitaMedica products may be beneficial to support a clear-complexion? A wide variety of VitaMedica products are designed to support overall health & wellness. Healthy-looking skin that is clear of acne is a reflection of a health-promoting diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables and high-quality protein and fat sources. VitaMedica’s targeted nutraceuticals are designed to fill-in the gaps where diet leaves off. VitaMedica’s high-potency Multi-Vitamin & Mineral provides all of the essential vitamins & minerals necessary for optimal health and wellness. For acne that is accompanied by inflammation, VitaMedica’s Bromelain with Quercetin supplement is ideal because it contains nutrients that have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

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