The Benefits Of Incorporating Antioxidants Into Your Skincare Routine
HAVE YOU EVER CUT AN APPLE, EATEN A FEW SLICES, THEN LEFT THE REST FOR LATER? AFTER COMING BACK TO FINISH THE REMAINDER—THE APPLE SLICES ARE COMPLETELY BROWN! THAT PROCESS IS OXIDATION CAUSED BY FREE RADICALS.
Free Radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons. To gain stability, they react with other molecules triggering a chain reaction that damages healthy cells. When this reaction takes place in an apple the exterior browns.
Like apples, our bodies naturally produce free radicals. However, free radicals can also come from exposure to environmental factors like UV rays (sun), pollution, and cigarette smoke. For us, oxidation impacts our skin’s aging process and, in extreme cases, can cause skin disorders like skin cancer and dermatitis.
Thankfully, incorporating antioxidants into our skincare routine can help fight free radical damage and help our skin recover from oxidation.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in our body. Antioxidants are found in food, especially in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Several vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are effective antioxidants, as well.
While consuming antioxidants is a great way to gain protection from free radicals, incorporating antioxidants into your skin care routine is another layer of protection that can really make a difference.
REASONS TO INCORPORATE ANTIOXIDANTS INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE:
To correct signs of aging
Brighten and even skin tone
Help boost collagen production
Fight against certain forms of cancer
Firm skin
Help improve scar appearance
THE BEST ANTIOXIDANTS FOR YOUR SKIN*
Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Vitamin E
Retinol (Vitamin A)
Polyphenols
*Note: This is not a comprehensive list. This list of products may not work for all skin types nor repair all skin care needs.