Unraveling the Mysteries of Antioxidants
🍓What Are Antioxidants and How Do They Work?
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent or interfere with oxidation, which is a chemical process that can produce free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage the DNA of healthy cells and their ability to function normally. While some of the free radicals are produced in our bodies naturally, they can also be caused by external factors such as UV rays in the sunlight, pollution, or environmental toxins. Unfortunately, these free radicals can cause a lot of damage, especially to our skin. Oxidation damage caused by these free radicals leads to destruction of collagen and elastic in our skin cells, increased inflammation, and disruption of our skin’s ability to repair itself. All of which can ultimately result in premature aging of the skin, acne, and hyperpigmentation. While it is nearly impossible to avoid these free radicals completely, we can rely on topical antioxidants to mitigate the damage.
🍓Best Antioxidants for Your Skin
- Vitamin C - As one of the most popular and well-known antioxidants, it boosts collagen production and fades dark spots in addition to reducing inflammation. It also protects your skin against sun damage. Most often it is listed as L-ascorbic acid, but other forms such as vitamin C ester, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or lipophilic vitamin C are used as well.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) - It lowers inflammatory response and decreases hyperpigmentation and redness without irritating the skin. It helps soothe breakouts and strengthen the skin’s barrier function. Often it is used to treat rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, and hyperpigmentation.
- Vitamin E - It is widely known for its ability to hydrate and enhance the skin’s natural moisture barrier as well as accelerating the healing and repairing process of skin. It is helpful in reducing inflammation and is very soothing for dry or sensitive skin types. Vitamin E also helps to stabilize other antioxidants and improve their effectiveness, so it’s often paired with other vitamins such as vitamin C or resveratrol.
- Vitamin A (Retinol/retinoids) - It is one of the most common ingredients used to fight against premature aging of the skin. Because its molecular structure is so small, it can penetrate deep into the skin to effectively stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell renewal and repair. It is used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone.
- Resveratrol - It belongs to an antioxidant group called polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants), and is found in the skins of fruits like grapes and berries. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties calm down the skin and protect the cells against damage by increasing the skin’s natural defense.
🍓Protect your skin from free radicals with these products loaded with antioxidants.
