Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi, Terry: “I thought I lived a very healthy life but as I get older (50 years), I noticed a huge change in the skin of my face. I have wrinkles that seem to have appeared overnight. Is there any truth to taking supplements internally for the health of the skin?” Joyce, Philadelphia, PA A. Dear Joyce, Absolutely! Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it must be supplied with nutrients like any organ or gland. Usually wrinkles are the result of free radical effects on the skin due to pollution, chemicals, smoking, sun and any other unhealthy practice that causes skin damage. I would suggest getting a good antioxidant at your health food store, perhaps one with blackcurrant extract, grape seed extract and pine bark. These are three very powerful antioxidants. I also like to recommend astaxanthin from BioReal from Sweden. Studies have been conducted by the Swedish company for improved skin health. I also like a combination of olive fruit extract and apple extract. In a recent small study, this combination reduced skin wrinkle depth by 40% in 28 days.