All about Antioxidants in Skincare

I’m sure most of you have heard about antioxidants, but wondered what the benefits are and why we need it (trust me, I’ve been there). The same goes for free radicals. Worry no more, cause we’ve got you! 

 

WHAT ARE FREE RADICALS?

Source: https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-the-antioxidant-properties-of-cbd-n1061

 

Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules in the environment that cause damage to your skin by clinging onto your collagen. The environmental factors that are known to trigger the development of free radicals are pollution, UV exposure, cigarette smoke and other toxic chemicals (yes, they’re everywhere). It can also be triggered by stress, consuming an excessive amount of sugar and lack of sleep.

 

 

Free radicals are like those kids that your parents tell you to stay away from cause they always get other kids into trouble. They go around stealing electrons in order to gain stability. Free radicals are responsible for producing inflammation, wrinkles, fine lines and accelerating the process of aging your skin.  

 

 

Yes, free radicals are everywhere and if you are starting to worry and feel as though all hope is lost, worry not, antioxidants are here to save the day (and your face!)

 

Here is a breakdown of all the noteworthy benefits provided by the one and only antioxidants!

 

WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?

Source: https://www.apskincare.co.uk/blog/antioxidants-important-good-skincare/

 

If there is something you should never limit yourself to, it’s antioxidants. Antioxidants work as a shield to protect your skin and block free radicals from causing damage to your skin and body. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating electrons, this will deactivate the free radicals and deter it from inducing damage to healthy cells.

 

 

There’s a reason why it’s called anti-oxidants as antioxidants are the antipode of the oxidation process. They help fight oxidation which is a chemical process that occurs in the body daily. Have you ever seen an apple turn brown? Yup, that’s oxidation. 

 

 

Antioxidants can be acquired in your diet as well as applied topically as a serum, which will be mentioned later on in this article. So, do your immune system and your skin a huge favour by incorporating antioxidants into your daily routine to fight free radicals from causing damage to healthy cells. 

 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/483785184970934609/

 

Good news! According to Healthline, your body has its own antioxidant defenses to keep free radicals in check. The human body naturally produces some antioxidants to impede oxidation and free radicals from damaging healthy cells in the body.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS?

Source: https://bellaveimalaysia.com/natural-remedies-reduce-signs-aging/

 

Antioxidants provides a plethora of benefits to your skin such as:

 

• Repair skin from sun damage: Antioxidants stimulate blood flow in the skin which accelerates the growth of new cells. This will repair skin from sun damage and achieve younger and healthier-looking skin. 

• Reduce inflammation: Antioxidants are known to calm inflammation and redness of the skin including sun burns. 

•  Reduce signs of aging and wrinkles: As free radicals accelerate the process of aging, antioxidants can assist to reverse the visible signs and give your skin a more fresh and youthful glow.

•  Brighter complexion: Antioxidants (Vitamin C) is capable of revitalizing and improving the appearance of dull and uneven skin tone.

 

When applied and consumed daily, antioxidants can assist in reducing sun spots, calm skin inflammation, brighten complexion and combat visible signs of aging. It can also provide the skin with a boost of hydration and moisture retention to rejuvenate dull-looking skin. So, not only will antioxidants improve your skin complexion, but it will be healthier. 

 

 

Tip: Apply sunscreen daily along with an antioxidant serum to combat free radical damage to our precious skin. 

 

WHICH SUPERFOODS CONTAIN ANTIOXIDANTS?

To get the most benefits from antioxidants through your diet, consume superfoods that represent all the colors of the rainbow (eat the rainbow!) Think of it this way, the more colourful, the better. It will do wonders to your immune system and improve skin health.

Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/phytonutrients-paint-your-plate-with-the-colors-of-the-rainbow-2019042516501

• Tomatoes: Rich in Vitamin C, tomatoes have remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, and can help prevent types of cancer.

• Oranges: The antioxidants in oranges offer a range of health benefits. The natural oils that are in oranges help to keep skin moisturised, soft and healthy. Oranges can also help combat inflammation and improve the digestive system.

• Turmeric: Turmeric is known to diminish acne scars and heal wounds.

• Green Tea: Green tea offers amazing benefits for both your immune system and skin. It works as an anti-ager and reduces redness from your skin. Green tea also has the ability to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

• Spinach: The antioxidants in Spinach prevent cellular damage and reduce oxidative stress, it also enhances collagen production to keep skin firm and smooth.

• Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries (yes, all the berries): Berries have plenty of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from uv damage, stress and pollution by reducing inflammation and prevent collagen loss. 

• Grapes: The powerful antioxidants in Grapes can offer anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral benefits.

 

BEST ANTIOXIDANTS IN SKINCARE:

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An antioxidant serum is a must-have for your skincare routine. Numerous skincare products incorporate antioxidants into their formulations to provide benefits of antioxidants directly to the skin.

 

• Vitamin A: Also known as Retinol. Vitamin A has multiple functions- it reduces sebum production and induces the formation of collagen, thereby minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A can also increase the process of healthy cellular turnover to achieve healthy and vibrant looking skin.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C (often listed as ascorbic acid in ingredients) is able to effectively stimulate collagen production to tighten fine lines, brighten overall complexion and fade dark spots. If you want youthful skin, then Vitamin C is the solution for you. 

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known to be a powerful antioxidant and it also has the ability to expedite the skin’s healing process.

• Niacinamide: Also known as B3, Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation. It also improves skin elasticity. 

• Green Tea Extract: Green Tea extract (Polyphenols) is known for reducing inflammation and assists in accelerating wound healing, ideal for those with sensitive skin.

• Rice Extract: Rice extract provides an abundance of antioxidants to fight against environmental stressors, therefore having multiple functions such as brightening uneven skin tone and reducing the appearance of dark spots. It also functions as an anti-ager.

• Grape Seed Extract: Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants and capable of alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress. It also contains anti-aging properties that protects collagen and elastin.

 

If you’re looking for a good serum that is formulated with a potent dose of antioxidants - you’re in luck!

Skinned.co

Our favourite “Lock & Stay!” Rice Serum is an antioxidant powerhouse as it contains Rice Extract (Oryza Sativa), Green Tea extract (Camellia Sinensis leaf extract) and Grape Seed extract to fight free radicals, brightens up uneven skin tone and gives a boosts a hydration which would result in improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

 

 

Comment below to let us know what skin care products you use that are formulated with antioxidants, and how it has been working for you! 

 

Fondly,

Skinned dot co.

Reference links:

#1: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained#what-they-are

#2: https://www.overstock.com/guides/top-5-benefits-of-antioxidants-in-skin-care

#3: https://www.dermstore.com/blog/top_ten/antioxidants-in-skin-care/

#4: https://www.self.com/story/best-antioxidants-for-skin-according-to-dermatologists

#5:https://nourishedessentials.com/blogs/healthwellness/how-to-reduce-inflammation-with-antioxidants

#6: https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9105167/the-benefits-of-oranges-for-the-skin/