The Role of Antioxidants for Healthy Skin
In recent times, you might have noticed an increasing number of cosmetic product advertisements highlighting the presence of antioxidants. However, you might not be entirely sure about what these compounds are and how they function. You've come to the right place to get informed!
We've extracted all the information you need to understand the role of these molecules in maintaining healthy skin. After reading this article, you'll have a clear understanding of why it's essential to incorporate skincare products containing antioxidants into your daily skincare routine.
Antioxidants vs. Free Radicals
Before delving into specific details, it's important to mention a few things regarding the relationship between antioxidants and free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm your skin, characterised by a structure missing one or more electrons.
Specifically, the atoms in the molecular structure of free radicals have unpaired electrons. In their attempt to become stable molecules, free radicals react with other types of molecules, like those found in your skin, ultimately damaging healthy cells.
Where do free radicals come from? Well, some are produced by your own body, but most free radicals result from exposure to environmental hazards, such as chemicals (including those found in conventional cosmetic products), ultraviolet rays, city pollution, and more.
What happens when your skin is under attack by free radicals? While the body can defend against free radicals to some extent, when it becomes overwhelmed, oxidative stress occurs. To better understand this process, picture a peeled banana left on a plate for too long until it turns black. This phenomenon is caused by free radicals, which induce oxidation. Now, think again about your skin and the damage caused by free radicals.
What's the Connection Between Antioxidants and Free Radicals?
There's a wealth of scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of antioxidants in combatting free radicals. Specifically, antioxidants neutralise the excess of free radicals, protect cells from their toxic effects, and prevent serious skin conditions. Although the body produces antioxidants naturally, you can support this process by introducing natural skincare products with high antioxidant content into your routine.
How Skincare Products with High Antioxidant Content Help You
Many skincare products, especially natural ones, contain ingredients with a high antioxidant content. The topical application of antioxidants has anti-aging properties, shields your skin from UV rays, and soothes inflammation.
Thanks to antioxidants, your skin will appear visibly rejuvenated and protected from external factors contributing to premature aging, such as extended sun exposure, pollution, or smoking.
As mentioned earlier, UV rays are one of the main culprits behind skin aging, and antioxidants act as a shield against them. Of course, you shouldn't forget to use high SPF sunscreen, which becomes even more effective when combined with natural skincare products containing antioxidant-rich ingredients.
As evident from the information provided earlier, free radicals are responsible for skin inflammation. Antioxidant ingredients reduce inflammation and alleviate its effects on the skin, providing a calming effect.
Skincare Products with Strong Antioxidant Effects
Before purchasing cosmetic products, it's essential to do your research, which includes carefully studying the ingredient list of a particular product. If you're looking for products with potent antioxidant properties, we recommend focusing on those that contain the following two ingredients:
Vitamin C: This is one of the most commonly used and effective antioxidant ingredients. It stimulates collagen production, evens out your skin tone, calms inflammation, and reduces pigment spots.
Vitamin A: Another potent antioxidant, Vitamin A, diminishes fine lines, making your skin appear more supple and healthy. It also aids in cellular regeneration, ensuring your skin isn't burdened with the unpleasant look of dead epithelial cells.
You can find these antioxidants in natural cosmetics formulated with ingredients rich in these two vitamins, such as the HYDRA SENSE range. This way, you can combat free radicals with antioxidants from trusted sources, contained in products with a clean label that exclusively benefits your skin.