We hear a lot about this topic, but do we really know the importance of these powerful substances and the role antioxidants play in the world of skin care? We know the word antioxidant sounds good when we look at the ingredients in a product, but do we really know what they are doing in our products and how we benefit from them? Antioxidants are found in many foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. But what antioxidants are in our skin care products and why?
Some of the most common antioxidants are Vitamins A, (Retinol) C, (L-ascorbic acid) E (Tocopherols) and green tea. These powerful antioxidants are believed to play a major role in preventing cancer, strokes, and heart disease. It only seems logical that when applied topically, these same antioxidants would be beneficial for our skin. When antioxidants are put in skin care, they help to fight the free radicals that have been known to damage our skin and cause pre mature aging. Antioxidants actually help to repair tissue damage. You may have heard of the analogy that explains antioxidants by using fruit as an example. Have you ever noticed that soon after you open a banana or bite into an apple, the fruit will go dark and brown? This process occurs when the air oxidizes the fruit, causing it to wilt and change color. When antioxidants are in place they will help to fight this damage from occurring. A good example of an antioxidant is a lemon. You can use lemons to preserve fruits and vegetables, preventing them from becoming stale and brown. Antioxidants will protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. They are called free radical scavengers, because they fight off pollutants, sun damage, and help your body stay healthy.
Some other examples of antioxidants are alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and Vitamin B. You can find these ingredients in many of the products we carry here at SkinStore.com. It is important to educate yourself on these powerful antioxidants and what they can do for you. CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10 is actually present in our bodies and it helps the cells in our bodies produce more energy. So you are probably wondering what benefits this antioxidant will have when it is in your skin care right? CoQ10 is considered fairly new to the skin care industry, yet it has been studied and researched for years. While this antioxidant is a naturally occurring antioxidant in our bodies, sometimes the levels can be lower for certain people. This includes people who are stressed, on medications, or who have aging skin. If you are over the age of 30 chances are your levels are below optimum, so it would be beneficial to use a product that contains this powerful antioxidant. It has been known to speed up skin repair and will help the cells regenerate more quickly, thus reducing free radical damage. CoQ10 has also been effective in naturally stimulating collagen production in the skin. Because of its small molecular structure, it can penetrate into your skin very effectively. It is also beneficial to take this antioxidant in a supplement form for optimum benefits.
One example of a product containing CoQ10 that we carry is the Osmotics Kinetin Cellular Renewal Serum. This serum also contains Vitamins A, E, and D. This product is beneficial in treating fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and blotchy skin. If you are looking for a vitamin supplement that contains CoQ10 we suggest Murad Wet Suit Cell Hydrating Dietary Supplement. These supplements also contain Vitamin E, zinc, and copper, to protect your skin from the inside out.
Another antioxidant that deserves an explanation is alpha-lipoic acid or ALA. It is an antioxidant that our bodies produce naturally, but only in small amounts. This antioxidant in some cases has reduced wrinkles. It is less irritating than Retin A and Alpha Hydroxy Acids, so even people with sensitive or delicate skin can find ALA beneficial. A proponent of ALA is Dr. Perricone. He offers Alpha Lipoic Capsules that help to neutralize free radicals and protect against cell damage. You can also find ALA in a variety of his cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. If you are looking for powerful antioxidant supplements in a drinkable form, you may want to consider Pure Inventions products. Developed by certified clinical nutritionists Pure Inventions offers an assortment of green tea extracts to add hydration, help with stress and relaxation and even appetite suppression. They contain green tea, acai berry, and polyphenols to help support a healthy immune system.
A lot of skin care companies are becoming more educated on giving us what we deserve in a skin care product. It is important to ask questions and do the research when finding the right products. When we are informed about what is in our skin care products, we can make a more accurate choice when it comes to our skin care needs and concerns. It is always best to consult with your health care provider before starting a new vitamin or supplement program.
Products featured in this article: Osmotics Kinetin Cellular Renewal Serum, Murad Wet Suit Cell Hydrating Dietary Supplement, Perricone MD Alpha Lipoic Capsules , Pure Inventions.
Source: SmartSkinCare.
SkinStore.com offers a wide variety of products containing antioxidants. View them here!
Antioxidants: What are they all about anyway?
