Antioxidants are substances that work to provide for a long list of health benefits, ranging from increased energy and weight loss to improved memory and concentration. Antioxidants have also proven to be effective when used as an ingredient in various skin care products.
Explaining Antioxidants
While most of us have heard of them, many are still unsure of exactly what they are. We’ve heard of how foods high in antioxidants, such as the açaí berry, are effective in maintaining a healthy body weight. But what exactly are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that help fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are substances within the body that can cause inflammation. When applied to the skin, these antioxidants (such as vitamin C, vitamin A or beta-carotene) work to reduce damage from these free radicals.
The Benefits of Antioxidants for Your Skin
Have you ever wondered why spas place cucumbers over your eyes? It’s because of the antioxidant properties found in the cucumber. There are a number of ways that antioxidants replenish your skin when used as an ingredient in your skin care products. Let’s take a look at four common skin benefits provided by antioxidants:
- Increasing your skin’s collagen production. Free radicals work to diminish collagen proteins responsible for maintaining the elasticity and strength of our skin. With a cream containing antioxidants, the free radicals can be reduced and rejuvenate the body’s own natural production of collagen.
- Improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Free radicals can cause the natural aging process to accelerate and cause lines or wrinkles to appear on the skin. Antioxidants can be used to prevent these effects and slow the development of the signs of aging.
- Reducing age spots. Also known as solar lentigines, age spots often appear as dark spots in the skin. Antioxidants such as vitamin C work to reduce the melanin pigmentation of the spot to lighten its appearance.
- Helping to treat acne. Vitamin A is a specific antioxidant that is often used in skin care products to unclog pores and remove excess oils to treat acne.
