Most people understand that pollution, sunlight, and other environmental stressors can contribute to premature skin aging. What many don’t realize is how these daily exposures can influence the way your skin looks over time.

One of the primary reasons is a process called oxidative stress. Think of oxidative stress as a form of biological rust. Just as a metal tool slowly corrodes when repeatedly exposed to the elements, our skin experiences cumulative wear-and-tear from environmental stressors, normal metabolism, and the aging process itself. 

Over time, this oxidative stress may influence the proteins and connective tissues that help your skin look firm, smooth, and resilient. The good news is that the body has its own antioxidant defense systems, and certain nutrients have been studied for their role in supporting those defenses.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

Every day, our cells produce energy. As a byproduct of that process, free radicals are generated. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm cells, so the body works to neutralize them as part of its normal antioxidant defenses.

Excessive exposure to sunlight, pollution and other environmental stressors is the main external contributor to oxidative stress within the skin, which can increase free radical formation and create ongoing stress that may affect:

• Skin elasticity

• Connective tissue integrity

• Collagen maintenance

• Skin hydration

• Overall skin appearance

Over time, cumulative exposure can gradually contribute to more visible signs of skin aging.

Why Connective Tissue Matters

Healthy skin depends on a strong network of connective tissues, including collagen and elastin.

Collagen provides structural support and strength.

Elastin helps skin stretch and return to its normal shape.

When oxidative stress accumulates over time, these important proteins may be affected, contributing to the appearance of: 

• Fine lines

• Wrinkles

• Reduced elasticity

• Thinner-looking skin

• Less resilient skin

This is why supporting the body's antioxidant defenses can be an important part of long-term skin wellness.

Niacinamide: Supporting Cellular Energy and Skin Function

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has become one of the most researched nutrients for skin health.

Niacinamide serves as a precursor for NAD+, a molecule involved in cellular energy production and normal cellular processes.

Research suggests niacinamide may help support:

• Healthy skin barrier function

• Skin hydration

• Cellular energy production

• Healthy response to environmental stressors

• Overall skin appearance

As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline. Supporting healthy NAD+ production through nutrients such as niacinamide helps support healthy aging, including normal skin cell function as you age.

Dihydroberberine (DHB): Metabolic Support Meets Antioxidant Protection

Dihydroberberine (DHB) is an advanced form of berberine that has been shown to be significantly more absorbable than conventional berberine.

While DHB is often discussed for metabolic health, researchers have also become interested in its antioxidant properties.

Research suggests berberine and DHB may support healthy cellular function by:

• Supporting antioxidant defense pathways

• Promoting healthy mitochondrial function

• Supporting healthy glucose metabolism

• Helping maintain healthy inflammatory balance

These mechanisms may be relevant to skin wellness because oxidative stress and everyday metabolic stress can both influence how skin looks over time.

In other words, healthy-looking skin begins at the cellular level.

Resveratrol: Nature's Protective Polyphenol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in grapes, berries, and certain plants.

It has been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties and its role in supporting healthy aging.

Research suggests resveratrol may help support:

• Healthy antioxidant activity

• Cellular resilience

• Connective tissue maintenance

• Healthy response to environmental stressors

• Mitochondrial function

Because of these properties, resveratrol has become a popular ingredient in both oral and topical skin wellness formulations.

Its ability to help support the body's natural defenses against oxidative stress makes it an attractive nutrient for those focused on healthy aging.

Beauty Starts Below the Surface

While skincare products can play an important role in a healthy skincare routine, true skin health begins within the body.

Healthy skin relies upon:

• Adequate hydration

• Balanced nutrition

• Healthy blood flow

• Cellular energy production

• Antioxidant protection

• Healthy connective tissue

Supporting these systems helps maintain healthier-looking skin as we age.

Why Sustained-Release Antioxidants Matter

Your body naturally absorbs nutrients from food over several hours, not all at once. Many supplements, however, release their entire dose rapidly, creating a sharp spike in nutrient levels followed by a quick decline—a phenomenon known as "dose dumping."

SmartMatrix™ controlled-release tablet technology is designed to more closely mimic how the body absorbs nutrients from food. By gradually releasing antioxidants such as niacinamide, dihydroberberine, and resveratrol over several hours, SmartMatrix™ delivery provides more consistent nutrient exposure to support the body's ongoing antioxidant defenses and healthy aging processes.*

The Long-Term Approach to Skin Health

No nutrient can stop the natural aging process. However, research continues to demonstrate that supporting your body’s natural antioxidant defenses not only plays a role in whole-body health as you age, but also helps maintain healthy-looking skin.

Nutrients such as niacinamide, dihydroberberine, and resveratrol represent three scientifically studied ingredients for supporting healthy cellular function and antioxidant activity.

Just as we protect a valuable tool from rust, supporting the body's defenses against oxidative stress may help preserve the health and resilience of our skin for years to come.

Author: Dr. Bradley Bush, N.D.
Chief Medical Officer

SmartMatrix is a trademark of Innovite, Inc.

References

Ai X, Yu P, Peng L, et al. Berberine: a review of its pharmacokinetics properties and therapeutic potentials in diverse vascular diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:762654. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.762654

Baxter RA. Anti-aging properties of resveratrol: review and report of a potent new antioxidant skin care formulation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008;7(1):2-7. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00354.x

Berman AY, Motechin RA, Wiesenfeld MY, Holz MK. The therapeutic potential of resveratrol: a review of clinical trials. NPJ Precis Oncol. 2017;1:35. doi:10.1038/s41698-017-0038-6

Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732

Chen AC, Martin AJ, Choy B, et al. A phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin-cancer chemoprevention. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(17):1618-1626. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506197

Utami AR, Maksum IP, Deawati Y. Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound. Biology (Basel). 2023;12(7):973. doi:10.3390/biology12070973

*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.