I hear a lot about Peptides in skin care products. What are they and what are their benefits?
Peptides are small protein molecules that are involved in cellular communication. Transfer of information between cells is accomplished by movement of chemicals across a small gap that separates said cells. Tiny chemicals, i.e. peptides, are released from one cell and accepted (much like a key is accepted into a lock) by the next cell at an area called a receptor. The action that follows peptide acceptance into a receptor site accounts for all the activities performed by a given cell. When the two cells are neurons (nerve cells) these activities are contraction or relaxation. When these cells are manufacturing cells, the action that ensues can involve the secretion or growth of specific materials. Other peptides may signal increases in metabolism or regulate cellular nutrition.
Some peptides interact at a nerve muscle junction causing contraction. Signs of aging can be the result of excessive neural contraction of facial muscles. We observe this clinically as wrinkles. Peptides that block neural contraction can cause a relaxation of these muscles, thereby diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In short peptides can help:
- Relax wrinkles
- Increase production of structural proteins and collagen
- Improve micro circulation and cell reproduction
- Lead to younger looking, firmer, healthier skin
What do you recommend nutritionally to help acneic skin?
Acne is one of my favorite subjects because it is 100% treatable! In most cases this can be done without any type of prescription medication, although in severe cases some prescription products can speed up the process. Acne should be attacked both outwardly and inwardly. I recommend a 4 step outward plan which includes cleansing with Sanítas Herbal Cleanser, toning with Sanítas Mild Medicated Toner, moisturizing with Sanítas Oil Free Moisturizer and
treating with Sanítas Drying Lotion and Sanítas Tea Tree Mask. It is also essential to have a nutritional plan including the following:
B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin B-5 (Pantothentic Acid) large doses, up to 6 grams per day
Zinc (as Zinc Picolinate) at least 50 mg. per day
Vitamin A at least 10,000 to 20,000 IU per day
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) 9 to 12 grams per day
Vitamin E 400 to 800 IU per day
Selenium up to 600 mg per day
If you are a Pharmacist why are you so into nutrition? Are prescription drugs really that dangerous?
After practicing as a traditional pharmacist for many years I reached a point where I could no longer, in good conscience, recommend prescription medications to people knowing of the many potentially harmful (or deadly) side effects. I also knew that many of the ailments people were using prescription medications for could be prevented, or even reversed, with simple common sense nutritional supplementation. I decided to become a unique type of Pharmacist, in which my first goal is "To do no harm". Although almost all prescription medications have some type of negative side effect, nutritional products provide a totally safe, and often very effective, natural alternative.
I am a 40 year old woman and I notice that even though my skin is Combination, I am developing some dry patches on my face in the winter. What should I do?
For your skin being a tad drier in the winter, I suggest upping your levels of EFAs or Essential Fatty Acids. As women age, estrogen levels decline, which affects your ability to absorb EFAs, which in turn affects calcium usage. Try Sanítas EFA Complete 4-6 capsules per day or 1 tablespoon in a liquid form once per day. There are many choices of EFAs in the marketplace! You can also feed your skin by applying Sanítas Topical C to the dry areas.
If you have a question for Ben, please email
info@Sanítas-skincare.com, and we may post your question & Ben's answer here!
