Antioxidants Vital to Maintain Skin

Antioxidants Vital to Maintain Skin

Antioxidants widely regarded within the beauty industry and the amazing benefits they have for the skin, but do you know what anti-oxidants are and why they are great for your skin??

To explain why our skin needs antioxidants I firstly explain what oxidative stress is 

ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species)

ROS is an unstable molecule within the skin which contains oxygen, it reacts with other molecules within the cells such as DNA & RNA, proteins and lipids causing cell damage or cell death, the ROS is a free radical. This early cellular damage contributes to ageing of the skin.

What factors cause ROS?

Air pollution and radiation (sunbathing)

Smoking

Alcohol

High blood sugar levels

High intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Over exercising

Excessive intake of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E

Antioxidant deficiency

Antioxidants

The skin has an antioxidant system which protects it from oxidative stress such as those listed above.  Antioxidants neutralise free radicals or prevent their formation.

If too much free radical damage occurs from the ROS and the antioxidants are fewer skin ageing, pigmentation damage, inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and acne occur.

The Benefits of Antioxidants

Ageing

ROS will break down the proteins within a cell breaking down collagen. Antioxidants help prevent the formation of wrinkles and improve the overall complexion

Anti-Inflammatory

Prevents UV damage and photo- ageing. 

Skin Repair

The anti-inflammatory action allows the skin rejuvenation processes and cell turnover to continue effectively.

Skin Tone

The prevention of photodamage from UV will prevent pigmentation damage such as age spots.

Antioxidants have carcinogenic properties which may help prevent skin cancer.

Top Antioxidant Skin Care Ingredients

Vitamin C - Brightening

Natural Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) when applied on the skin, a-glucosidase enzyme, which is found in the epidermis, breaks the bond with gradual release of vitamin C. It suppresses melanin formation, and it reduces the amount of pre-existing melanin and promotes collagen synthesis by the fibroblasts. Moreover, we know that free radicals produced during the exposure to radiation cause destruction of the epidermis and erythema. AA2G by gradual vitamin release, which acts as a free radical inhibitor, reduces oedemas and irritations, while reducing expression wrinkles at the same time

Vitamin A - Anti Ageing

Stimulates and aids the process of cell division. It strengthens skin density, which becomes thinner as aging progresses. It improves skin elasticity. It helps restore tissues damaged by sunburn. It helps wound healing. It stimulates collagen formation in the skin. It reduces the number of wrinkles caused by UV radiation.

Vitamin E - Hydrating and Nourishing

A fat soluble natural anti-oxidant ingredient, of plant origin that fights free radicals. It also contributes in skin elasticity preservation.