Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1503366
Exclusive member benefit: Get the ASCP SkinPro app at ascpskincare.com/skinpro 43 INGREDIENT DECK All That Glitters Is Glowing Skin by Ella Cressman PERHAPS TRACE MINERALS OR ESSENTIAL MINERALS are familiar terms, but neither really conveys the influence of minerals on skin health with much enthusiasm. Besides the crucial activities of establishing and maintaining the skin's barrier function and dermal remodeling, minerals influence skin bioenergetics, redox balance, skin regeneration, and the speed of skin aging. 1 The US Geological Survey defines a mineral as "a naturally occurring, inorganic element or compound that has an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties." 2 Minerals are elements from the earth and in foods that the human body needs to develop and function normally. According to the National Library of Medicine, some essential minerals for overall health include calcium, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc. 3 For healthy skin, let's discuss calcium, copper, magnesium, colloidal silver, and gold. CALCIUM Calcium is an essential mineral required for the development of bones and teeth but also plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps regulate the epidermal cell turnover rate (CTR) by influencing the release (or shedding) of old skin cells, allowing for the production of new ones. In addition to its effect on CTR, calcium also stimulates lamellar body secretion, which results in the formation of an impermeable lipid-containing membrane. Essentially, this barrier function keeps the good in and the bad out, which also supports the dermal immune function. 4 When there is a deficiency of calcium in the skin, you may experience dryness, roughness, and an increased risk of developing skin infections. 5 Stimulating the natural CTR with carboxylic acids, like AHAs or BHAs, can both encourage calcium production and deplete it. Too much