The constant processes that takes place in our bodies require oxygen but this oxygen, in turn, gives off by -products called oxidants -- or “free radicals” -- that can be harmful to us. Oxidants cause damage to nearby cells, speeding the aging process and lowering our immunity. The ill effects of oxidants are also implicated in several diseases including cancer and heart disease.*
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Free-radicals are also in the air and caused by smoking, pesticides, pollution, and, most significantly, the sun; we are constantly in battle with them. As far as our skin goes, these free-radicals obstruct the ability to produce collagen which, in turn, causes pre-mature aging. Naturally, the best way to deal with these oxidants is with anti-oxidants.
As the word implies, antioxidants work against these free-radicals by binding to them. Essentially, oxidants are unstable molecules and antioxidants, by binding to them, make them stable. Antioxidants are substances or nutrients which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body thereby helping to prevent disease and premature aging. .
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Our bodies create some antioxidants naturally but we do rely on food and/or supplements to get most so when you hear the benefits of eating your veggies, berries & fruits, now you know why! They help slow down the aging process, reverse it some cases, and help protect against many diseases such as heart disease and forms of cancer.
If you want to ingest antioxidants naturally, choose the most colorful fruits, berries and vegetables (spinach, blueberries, carrots) and preferably uncooked in order to get maximum benefit. There are many sources to find out more about the best antioxidant food sources, but we don’t always eat our healthiest foods or take supplements. We do, however, buy skin creams.
The best anti-aging skin care creams should contain a powerful antioxidant as well as effective moisturizers and sun screen. There are three main categories of antioxidant sources: vitamins, herbs, and minerals.
Here is a list of the top ten popular antioxidant substances to look for:
- Vitamin C Ester ~ is also called L-ascorbic acid and has numerous essential health benefits; for skin care, it is needed to synthesize collagen.
- Vitamin E ~ is a vitamin that protects the membranes of cells from damage from oxidants and is important for skin care. Look for it in its natural form as an ingredient.
- Vitamin A ~ is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for many healthy body functions including the cell membranes. As a skin-care antioxidant it is often called retinol and used widely for the treatment of fine lines, sun-damage, acne and more.
- Coenzyme Q10 ~ is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body but production declines dramatically with age and other factors. It is implicated in the protection of cells from toxic oxidants and may even assist with cell regeneration. It also helps preserve vitamin E.
- Zinc ~ is a mineral important to many body functions including skin care as it is required for the synthesis of collagen. It assists in wound healing, acts as an astringent and is an anti-inflammatory that can assist in treating acne.
- Apha lipoic acid ~ is a fatty acid found in our cells which, among other things, fights free-radicals that cause premature aging.
- Green Tea Extract ~ is a powerful herbal antioxidant that reportedly can increase the skin’s elasticity and protect it from sun damage. It is also an anti-inflammatory.
- Olive Leaf Extract ~ is another powerful herbal antioxidant and inflammatory whose history spans centuries. It has several benefits to the skin and overall health when ingested.
- Lycopene ~ is a fat-soluble member of the carotene family, which are plant pigments that combat free-radicals and help protect against damaging UV-light from the sun. Lycopene also helps cells retain moisture.
- Grape Seed Extract ~ is a bioflavonoid (plant constituent) that strengthens cell membranes. Not only is it an antioxidant but anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and anti-allergenic. It works to enhance the benefits of vitamins C and A improving skin health, and reportedly reducing wrinkles.
Some of these substances you can purchase as stand-alone products to apply topically, like vitamin E, for instance. If looking for an age-appropriate skin-care product, however, it isn't necessary to find all of these ingredients in one anti-wrinkle cream, but a combination of two or more is recommended. These are all antioxidants so are all beneficial to your skin health, but don’t forget to consider the other factors when making a purchase of a skin-care product, such as SPF and moisturizing ability.
*This article makes no medical claims but reports on claims already made about antioxidants.
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