Beauty from within is a very ancient concept. The cosmetic, health, and beauty industries have been focusing on this for decades. Scientifically tested ingredients and nutrients are taking the beauty field by storm. With our reluctantly aging population, the market for anti-aging products is seeing a growth spurt—from functional foods and beverages to therapeutic supplements and body care. The variety of emerging beauty products—think ingredients that target stress relief, anti-aging, ultraviolet protection, overall wellness, skin hydration and hormonal balance—makes it hard to deny the field of anti-aging is here to stay.

Market analysis firms like Datamonitor expects this industry to grow over the next year to $3.6 billion here in the United States and $4.4 billion in Europe. Amazing isn’t it. We baby boomers absolutely care about how we age and we are not going down without a fight. That fight is a gentle fight—right? I hope so. Using natural approaches to our inner and outer health and beauty is essential.

Industry experts say we are readily making the connection between what we put inside our bodies and our appearance. In general, most of us understand how our diets can have an effect upon things other than our weight and health. We know if a person is eating junk food and is overweight, her skin won’t be as healthy as it should be. We now understand as well, more than ever, that health does indeed equal beauty.

We are seeing beauty and cosmetic companies adding healthy fish oil, green tea, and resveratrol to their products. These additions are known to contribute to healthier aging. Even the NEEM plant used readily in ancient Indian Medicine called Ayurveda is being introduced into products as well. Topical use of this plant can help with fungal or yeast types of skin conditions. Also, skin care ingredients that help with the immune function of the skin are also being added and are becoming popular. These products address skin irritations such as itching, flaking, or scaling.

With this growing focus on beauty from within, adding nourishing nutrients from food and skin formulations that help with hydration are essential to maintain inner and outer beauty, and radiant health. Feeding yourself inside and out will increase protection from oxidative stress, which is the culprit for accelerated aging. Foods, beverages, and skin care products with powerful anti-oxidants called carotenoids and powerful vitamins are vital for health and beauty.

My favorite anti-aging ingredient is something called AgeLoc, which locks or stops the free radical damage of the skin. It literally stops the AR NOX enzymes, which are responsible for aging.

The scientific community and beauty industry will announce next week a new scientific discovery in anti-aging. It will have something to do with resetting your genes. Imagine changing the genetic code of your skin and resetting your genes so you can start looking much younger. Imagine that. Well I’m all for it. How about you?

(c) Monika Klein, B.S., C.N. is an award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert. Monika is the “Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach.” Her company, Coaching For Health, offers life transforming weight loss and wellness programs, classes and products throughout the world. To learn more about Monika’s services and programs, visit www.coachingforhealth.com.