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From makeup to skin care, you hear and read the word “antioxidants” all the time. This is not a marketing ploy. Antioxidants can help delay the signs of aging and even resolve minor skin issues!
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants refer to a group of highly beneficial nutrients that protect the cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the precursor to chronic ailments such as cancer and heart disease. It can also lead to aged skin. Oxidative stress occurs when reactive molecules – called free radicals – destroy the DNA of healthy cells. When this happens, the healthy cells either die out or mutate. As the cells mutate, they seek other healthy cells, converting them into mutated cells too. This is where oxidative stress spread throughout the body.
Antioxidants protect by neutralizing free radicals before they cause damage to the body on a cellular level. Research shows that foods high in antioxidants protect from chronic diseases! These nutrients can even take years off your face.
There could be hundreds of antioxidants out there, but which ones can restore and maintain the youthful glow of your skin? Let’s find out:
Tocopherol
Tocopherol – commonly known as vitamin E – is a type of fat-soluble antioxidant that keeps the skin young and healthy. There are two types of tocopherol, natural and synthetic. As you might’ve surmised, natural tocopherol is superior to synthetic tocopherol.
Research shows that tocopherol protects the cell membranes from oxidative damage. It can also reverse initial damage from ultraviolet rays! And when mixed with vitamin C, tocopherol’s skin-friendly benefits are boosted! To maximize the benefits of tocopherol, we recommend looking for face serums and creams fortified with tocopherol and vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is known as a vitamin, but it’s also an antioxidant. In fact, ascorbic acid is one of the most powerful antioxidants there are! Apart from neutralizing inflammation and protecting from infections, ascorbic acid refines the skin texture; evening out the skin tone and restoring the skin’s natural glow.
This nutrient also reduces the signs of aging by boosting the collagen production in the skin. Collagen is an important protein that keeps the skin elastic. Ascorbic acid also speeds up skin cell turnover while reducing the ultraviolet damage to the skin!
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a type of polyphenolic antioxidant found in red grapes, red wine and berries. This nutrient protects the skin from the sun’s rays while repairing damaged skin cells. Unlike ascorbic acid, resveratrol is a stable compound; it does not lose potency when exposed to air. This nutrient also protects from inflammation, reducing breakouts, rosacea, and eczema.
Retinol
Retinol or vitamin A is an antioxidant and a vitamin too! This is a cell-communicating nutrient that speeds up the skin cell turnover, reduces inflammation and fades age spots. This antioxidant triggers skin cell generation and eliminates a dull, lackluster complexion.
Epigallocatechin-3 gallate or EGCG
EGCG, which is found in green tea, is a powerful antioxidant that delays the sign of aging. It can protect the skin from sun damage and retain suppleness of the epidermis. Even better, EGCG works hard under the skin. It prevents collagen breakdown and repair cells damaged by UV rays. Finally, EGCG reduces inflammation, minimizing the chances of breakouts, acne, and rosacea.