Aside from knowing that antioxidants make your skin look awesome, what else do you know about them? The terms free radicals and antioxidants are floating around skincare products and several fruits and vegetables, but for most people, fully understanding their meaning may be a bit challenging.
Free radicals, unbelievably, are produced by the body for protection, but excess free radicals can damage your skin, causing it to lose its elasticity. There are also free radicals in the environment, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, and other air pollutants, all of which are harmful to the skin – especially facial skin.
On the other hand, antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, occur naturally in various food items, such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Antioxidants act as neutralisers against free radicals to protect against further damage to your skin. But sources of antioxidants have different properties, so it is best to know them, so you’ll be able to choose the right product for your specific need.
Choosing the right antioxidant
Each source of antioxidant has its healing properties. It is essential to know this, as it will determine which skincare product you should choose. We have come up with a shortlist of the most popular natural sources of antioxidants and their properties. One thing you should remember is that you can only gain the benefits of these antioxidants if you use them in the right amount.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols that get rid of free radicals. The product contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that make wounds heal faster. It is suitable for people with acne, sensitive skin, psoriasis, and rosacea. But before you wash your face with green tea, keep in mind that the concentration of antioxidants in a green tea bag is quite low. Purchase a moisturiser or serum containing high amounts of green tea (camellia sinensis leaf extract) for your face and arms.
Vitamin C
Perk up your tired and dull-looking skin with vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C hydrates and calms your skin, and it has properties similar to retinol that can increase collagen production to smooth uneven skin tone and tighten fine lines. The vitamin is best for brightening your skin. It can help lighten dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation, so your skin looks fresher and brighter.
Vitamin A
Retinol or vitamin A is an anti-aging substance. Using skin care products such as the ones from SkinCeuticals will help fade dark marks and scars, brighten your skin, soften rough spots and bumps, fill in wrinkles, and smooth fine lines. Retinol works best when you are resting, so apply it to your clean face before going to bed. Follow the instructions on how to use retinol effectively.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E or tocopherol is a moisturising agent. It is one of the most popular among different antioxidants because it is anti-inflammatory, among other things. Tocopherol prevents premature aging, protects your skin from free radicals, and keeps your skin soft and elastic. Vitamin E works best when combined with vitamin C.
Now you know some of the most potent antioxidants and how they can help improve your skin condition. Choose skincare products with ingredients derived from natural antioxidant sources.
