Skin Science :: OPC-3® Beauty Blend Page 4

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin needed by the body for several key metabolic reactions. It is most well known as a key nutritional antioxidant — where it protects the body from free radical damage. As a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C performs its antioxidant functions within the aqueous compartments of the blood and inside the cells, and can help restore the antioxidant potential of vitamin E (a fat-soluble antioxidant) in cell membranes. Vitamin C also helps with the synthesis of collagen — the chief structural protein in connective tissues, such as bones, cartilage and skin. Since vitamin C supports the healthy functioning of the skin, it can help the skin handle the potentially damaging effects of UV rays,  environmental chemicals and pollutants. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting immune cell function and may help fight infections in their early stages.

Thus, the combined effects of cellular support, collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection are thought to account for the multi-faceted benefits of vitamin C. In short, it helps to maintain overall health at the cellular level while visibly supporting the health of the skin on the outside.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of other health challenges. Vitamin E works mainly in cell membranes to prevent lipid peroxidation which can be induced by ultraviolet light, and chemicals in our environment and food. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in cells, and helps prevent breakdown of body tissues. Vitamin C and other antioxidants also recycle oxidized vitamin E back into effective neutralizers of free radicals.

Vitamin D3
The primary effect of vitamin D is to maintain optimal calcium and phosphate ion levels in the blood. Regular sunlight exposure is the primary way that most of us get our vitamin D. Vitamin D is a hormone that is produced in the skin in the presence of sunlight and transported to tissues throughout the body. It is important for increasing the synthesis of calcium-storage and calcium-transport proteins which are required to get calcium inside the body from the intestine, distribute the calcium to all cells, and retain the calcium inside cells; calcium is a major co-factor and stimulus for a wide variety of cellular processes in the skin and other tissues. The increased calcium absorption results in an increase in bone density and bone strength.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.