It can be found everywhere in nature around us. It also exists naturally in our body, making sure we remain strong. But what is silica and why is it important to our health? At ChitoCare beauty, we know how greatly beneficial this natural compound is and this is why we have included it in our skin care line. Read on to discover why you need more silica in your life.

What is silica?

Silicon dioxide is the second-most abundant element found in the Earth’s crust, topped only by oxygen, with aluminium and iron in third and fourth place. Popularly known as silica, it can be found in everything from sand, clay and quartz crystals to rivers, rocks and volcanic magma. It is found in everyday products such as plastics, rubber and paint but is most commonly used to produce construction materials, such as glass, cement and asphalt. It literally helps to build things, and this also goes for our own body.

Silica is an essential building block in our organism. It makes connective tissues strong and flexible and provides structure and protection for crucial organs in our body, ensuring they operate correctly.  It also creates bonds with protein molecules, like collagen, that help the skin retain water, which is critical for cell repair and renewal. It can be utilized for an inside-and-out approach to health, and this is why we have incorporated it into our dietary supplements and made sure to include ingredients, such as bamboo stem powder and pricky pear, into our skin care line so as to promote silica production.

Why is silica important?

Silica has a number of functions in our body. From boosting the production of antibodies and antigens that help our immune system fight off colds, flus and infections, to keeping bones strong and healthy by stimulating new bone cell formation, to detoxifying our brain from aluminium that can cause neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It assists with metabolizing other minerals, balancing hormones and supporting a healthy heart. Furthermore, as both silica and collagen are anti-inflammatory, they can soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Our ChitoCare beauty Body Lotion contains chitosan that actively promotes collagen production in the skin, helping reduce redness and itching and promoting skin cell renewal.

One of silica's most important functions is to boost the production and absorption of collagen. Collagen is a protein found naturally in our body that provides structure and strength to connective tissues. Silica activates enzymes needed for the collagen network to function. This network spans from our cartilage, bones and joints, all the way down to our hair, skin and nails. Collagen is what keeps skin hydrated, supple and smooth. If collagen provides the structure, silica keeps that structure strong. As silica increases the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, it retains water at a higher rate, making for a dewy and refreshed complexion.

Why is silica good for my health?

As we age, our body’s silica and collagen production both slow down; usually between the ages of 25 and 34. When we experience a collagen deficiency, we can end up with brittle nails, dull hair, wrinkles, breakouts and reduced skin elasticity. Preventatively upping our silica intake helps keep the signs of aging at bay. All ChitoCare beauty products contain chitosan, that promotes silica production, helping slow down the aging process by keeping skin well hydrated and with increased plumpness.

Maintains a strong body

As silica improves collagen production, it is responsible for forming and maintaining healthy skin, muscles, ligaments, hair, nails and skin. It supports vein, artery and heart health and can lower cholesterol levels. It also has bone-strengthening qualities, as it assists with proper bone formation by controlling the flow of calcium in and out of bones. It directly helps to reduce bone fragility and keep joints lubricated. It reduces inflammation in joint tissues and can help with recovery from tendon and ligament damage. Silica really is the boss of our body's maintenance department!

Promotes visibly healthier skin

Especially when it comes to skin, sufficient collagen production means skin remains elastic and smooth. Maintaining sufficient silica levels means we can keep up collagen production as well, helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by keeping our skin plump and firm. When silica binds with glycosaminoglycan proteins, it helps them hold up to 1000 times their weight in water, making for an excellent source of hydration. And, as we know, hydrated, well-moisturized skin is healthy skin. By using ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum containing silica, you’ll notice your skin takes on a brighter complexion, youthful glow and increased elasticity. Skin remains hydrated and blemishes and wrinkles become less visible.

Where can I find silica?

Traditionally, humans consume silica in the form of plant foods like artichokes, asparagus and leafy greens, vegetables like onions and potatoes, whole grains like rye, oats and brown rice, fruits like strawberries and bananas, and sea foods such as mussels. Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables that were traditionally high in silica are now often grown in soil that doesn’t have the microbial life needed for plants to absorb silica from the ground. The way modern grains are grown means that they too are stripped away of this mineral. Therefore, it is extremely important to add a silica supplement to your diet, as there is not enough of this hard-working mineral in foods anymore. ChitoCare beauty LipoSan Fibers & Vitamin C is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that boost collagen production and promote skin, bone and joint health. You’ll feel your immune system strengthen and your energy levels rise.

While there is no agreed-upon recommended amount of silica intake, we know that maintaining a diet and skin care routine high in silica brings about positive results for both. To up your silica intake from the inside, you can incorporate a supplement like ChitoCare beauty Hair, Skin & Nails into your daily diet. Containing silica, marine collagen, Vitamin C, zinc and selenium, it promotes glowing skin, stronger nails and thicker hair. To ensure your skin is getting the silica amounts it needs from the outside, lather up with our ChitoCate beauty skin care line, that promotes silica and collagen production for improved skin health and a youthful appearance.