Everywhere you look, skincare products claim that they’re loaded with antioxidants to help fight off the signs of aging and help retain the skin’s youthfulness. But what exactly are antioxidants and why are they good for the skin?
Benefits of Antioxidants for the Skin
Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals or any other nutrients that protect and repair cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen molecules known for wreaking havoc on the skin in the form of:
- fine lines
- wrinkles
- hyperpigmentation
- and loss of moisture.
In addition to fighting off free radicals, antioxidants also help protect the skin against environmental aggressors such as:
- UV rays from sunlight
- infrared radiation, pollution
- an unhealthy diet
- cigarette smoke
- alcohol
- and potentially skin cancer.
The body has a natural reservoir of protective antioxidants that can help the skin repair itself. When the skin is constantly exposed to environmental aggressors, this supply of antioxidants can be quickly depleted. The reservoir has the capability of being filled up again through the foods a person eats and the skincare products applied to the skin topically, which allows antioxidants to be able to protect the skin from radical damage from the inside out.
Antioxidants for Sun Damage
Vitamin C has been shown to protect the skin from sun damage and skin cancer by increasing the skin’s capacity for fibroblasts, which can repair damage done by the sun. Foods that are loaded with Vitamin C include: bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), strawberries, tomatoes, berries, broccoli, kiwi, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, nectarines, orange and papaya.
Vitamin E also contains antioxidants that help repair sun damage. Foods that are loaded with Vitamin E include: broccoli, carrots, chard, red peppers, spinach, mustard and turnip greens, nuts, almonds and sunflower seeds.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids have anti-inflammatory effects that may decrease sun sensitivity. Having a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids will help prevent, treat and protect the skin from free-radical damage. Foods that are loaded with Omega-3s include salmon and chia seeds.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to fight skin cancer and shield skin from sun damage because they absorb UV light. It only takes one three ounce serving of dark chocolate to obtain this skin protecting benefit.
Get Antioxidant Skincare Recommendations at SkinSpirit
We are happy to offer a wide selection of antioxidants for the skin at SkinSpirit locations nationwide and online! Looking for more personalized advice? Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians for skincare regimen tailored to you, including advice on the best antioxidant for the skin you're in.
Disclaimer: Information and content within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, and anything read here should not be construed as such. Reading this blog or communicating with our staff does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you have questions about any health issue, including something you may have read here, please consult a licensed, trained physician or health professional immediately.
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