Berries in the Spa

Posted: September 25, 2008, from the October 2008 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine.

The buzz about berries is everywhere, on radio and television, in newspaper and magazine articles, and in health food and grocery stores. Everyone knows fruits and vegetables are essential to optimum health and well-being, but a deeper understanding of how and why berries can improve our skin and aid in healthy aging is worth a closer look, especially for skin care professionals.

While spa clients are likely aware of the nutritional rewards provided by strawberries, blueberries or raspberries, imparting wisdom about some of the lesser-known varieties of berries serves a dual purpose-learning about how eating these berries promotes good health and offering knowledge on how these tasty fruits support clear, glowing, radiant skin. See Loaded Berries for more information on berries' bountiful health benefits.

"Eating berries provides the skin with powerful antioxidants to help the skin protect itself from the outside elements," according to Jeannette Graf, MD, a leading skin science expert and board-certified clinical and research dermatologist. "Berries are one of the top beauty foods with their vibrant colors and nutrient dense phytochemicals."

New berries on the block
The goji and aai berry have been two of the more popular berries included in supplements and skin-related products during the past few years, and after hearing about their considerable benefits, it's not hard to see why.

The goji-pronounced go-gee-berry, which is sometimes referred to as a wolfberry, is native to certain remote regions of China, Tibet and Mongolia, and has long been used in Chinese medicine. Rich in antioxidant properties, it has one of the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or ORAC, ratings. ORAC ratings are a method of measuring antioxidant activity in any substance, and the higher the ORAC score, the more efficient the food is in wiping out free radicals and slowing the aging process. Goji berries are also chock full of vitamins B and C, as well as polysaccharides, which bolster the immune system.

Loaded Berries
Small, tasty and packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients vital to a healthy diet, berries really are an easy way to incorporate rich goodness into your life. Find out the key offerings each berry provides, then spruce up your treatment menu by adding in your own personalized berry mix.

Aai
* Boosts energy levels
* Provides vital vitamins, minerals and fiber
* Powerful free radical fighter
* Strengthens immune system and slows down aging
* Promotes healthier and younger-looking skin
* Normalizes and regulates cholesterol levels
* Helps maintain healthy heart function and improves circulation
* Minimizes inflammation1

Blueberry
* Rich in vitamins and nutrients
* Contains strong antioxidants, which fight free radicals
* Aids in internal health functions
* Offers anti-aging benefits
* Helps relieve skin conditions such as eczema
* Speeds healing time and reduces scarring in wounds and burns2

Cranberry
* Contains proanthocyanidins, potent antioxidants that appear to be able to decrease bacterial adherence to the bladder cells
* Aids in the reduction of dental plaque
* Contains antioxidants that exhibit anti-carcinogenic and anti-cancer activity
* Inhibits oxidation, helping to prevent heart disease
* Contains quinic acid, which may prevent the development of kidney stones3

Goji
* Contains strong antioxidants to slow the aging process and target free radicals
* Contains healthy vitamins and nutrients
* Helps to increases energy and strength
* Supports cardiovascular health
* Provides immune support4

Strawberry
* Contains a range of nutrients, including vitamin C
* Offers significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals
* Provides vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids6

Raspberry
* Significant source of ellagic acid, a phenolic compound with anti-carcinogenic properties
* Contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that retard the effects of aging, prevent cancer and may reduce the risk of heart disease
* A source of quercetin, a flavonol and antioxidant with anti-carcinogenic properties
* Reduces the release of histamines, which may minimize allergic reactions5

REFERENCES
1. www.acai.vg
2. www.skininc.com/treatments/wellness/nutrition/15104326.html
3. www.nutrasanus.com/cranberry.html
4. www.goji-berries.com
5. www.bremnerfoods.com/healthbenefits/raspberry.php
6. chetday.com/benefitofstrawberry.htm

(All accessed Jul 7, 2008)