Antioxidants are the good guys that work to protect our bodies from the damaging effects of the bad guys - free radicals. Our bodies make these free radicals (unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress) during our normal metabolic functions or when are exposed to stressors like air pollution, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, or sunlight. Free radicals destroy the cells and tissues that make up our bodies. Whilst there is not 1 hero antioxidant there are many key powerful and extremely effective antioxidants that you should look for when choosing your skin care.
As a general guide I recommend my clients to use an antioxidant serum in the morning and to use the repairing and regenerating Vitamin A of an evening.
Using a variety of antioxidants in your skin care will tick many boxes, just like eating a balanced diet.
Here are some of my favourite Antioxidants and their benefits and some products that you can find these in.
Niacinamide:
Strengthens the skins barrier making the skin more resilient and hydrated. B3 regulates oil production in the skin. Niacinamide converts into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in the skin which is a potent free radical fighter. Niacinamide reduces oxidative cellular damage within skin cells. Great for sensitive skin, B3 reduces skin redness and is super calming. You can find 17% Niacinamide in the Skin Matrix IQ Serum.
Vitamin C:
Comes in many forms, such as ascorbic acid, ascorbyl phosphate, MAP, Ascorbyl Palmitate
SAP or Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate penetrates the skin more effectively than L-Ascorbic Acid, as the latter isn’t has effective as penetrating through your skin barrier, so you need more of it to work. SAP is great for skin hydration, and is light and water stable which many other C’s are not. It neutralizes free radicals, boost collagen, evens skin tone and has antimicrobial benefits. It works to reduce damage from UV and damage caused to your DNA. You can find SAP along with other forms of C in the Emergin C 20% Vitamin C Serum.
Green Tea:
Not only great to drink, Green Tea in skin care is a powerful antioxidant, that helps to brighten your skin from damaging environmental stressors. It can also brighten and even skin tone. Made from the camellia sinensis plant, Green Tea contains the antioxidant EGCG which is one of this antioxidants most powerful elements. It controls oil as well as being a vasoconstrictor that reduces puffiness and dark circles. Reduces swelling and redness. Assists in retaining moisture over time and reducing inflammation. You will find Green Tea in the HydroPeptide Power Serum and Dope Antioxidant Facial Serum.
Vitamin E:
Also known as Tocopherol, Vitamin E is the workhorse of antioxidants and is naturally found in our skin. It soothes the skin and naturally depletes as we age. But we can top up our natural reserves of Vitamin E through our Skin Care Products. Vitamin C and E play off each other enhancing one another's features, so when these are paired together look out free radicals! Topping up your E reserves you are protecting your skin from pigmentation, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. It is a fat-soluble Vitamin so penetrates to the deepest depths of the skin, soothing and healing as it goes. Hydrated and firm is how your skin will feel! Find E in the PCA Skin C & E Advanced.
Astaxanthin:
Is still emerging as a popular antioxidant, but it won’t take long for it to become well known for its astounding ability to protect our cells whilst creating a supple skin with increased hydration and elasticity. Studies show improvements in lines, wrinkles, and photoaging.
Astaxanthin is a brilliant red antioxidant, being created from green algae under stressful situations such as heat, excess UV exposure and lack of nutrients.
Astaxanthin research shows that it inhibits over production of melanin in melanoma cells, cutting off carcinogenesis at a critical step in its progress. It has a renowned ability to protect our cells from UV damage and counteract UVA-induced alterations. You can find Astaxanthin in Osmosis MD Replenish.
Superoxide Dismutase:
Also known as SOD is the body's smart antioxidant enzyme that protects the cells from highly reactive, cell-damaging superoxide radicals. At the first hint of a free radical, SOD is like the alarm system that sends out the police or in this case free-radical destroying antioxidants. Whilst the antioxidants are on their way to fight the free radicals Superoxide Dismutase is busy breaking down the free radicals into less destructive molecules (hydrogen peroxide and oxygen). It it wasn’t for SOD sounds off the alarm, the other antioxidants in your body wouldn’t arrive to the scene nowhere near as quickly.
SOD repairs signs of ageing, by creating a resilient skin whilst providing anti-inflammitory benefits which is wonderful for under the eyes.
You can find SOD in the Cosmedix Elite Pepoxide Serum.
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_does_niacinamide_do_for_skin/article.htm
https://www.katesomerville.com/us/en/blog/green-tea-extract-benefits-in-skin-care.html
https://www.nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/news/article_page/Astaxanthin_and_skincare/129996
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