We know we’re supposed to eat berries and drink green tea for the antioxidants, but do you know why? It’s seems every product on the market from skincare to vitamins contains antioxidants in them but what are antioxidants any way? So, we did the research for you.
“By definition, antioxidants such as vitamins A and C are substances that can help prevent the effects of free radical damage in the body. In other words, antioxidants can neutralize the process of oxidation and cellular damage which contributes to aging and disease,” says Dr. Joey Shulman, author and nutrition expert.
If you’ve ever seen a peeled apple turn brown, you’ve seen oxidation in action and that’s not a pleasant thought when it comes to our skin. Antioxidant-rich foods help reverse the signs of aging from the inside. These types of foods can also help prevent cancer and heart disease. So, don’t hesitate to throw a handful of blueberries and some spinach into your morning smoothie. Some experts even recommend drinking up to three cups of green tea a day.
When it comes to your skincare, however, antioxidants can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun but don’t be fooled: you still need to wear an SPF daily. The sun is the number one cause of aging of the skin. The role that antioxidants play is from the inside out on a cellular level. Specifically, vitamins A, C and E are thought to be the most beneficial in skincare and are the ones you want to look for in your products.
We’ve already learned that these vitamins can fortify cells to fight free radicals, but they can also help speed up the skin’s natural healing process. Our skin is constantly shedding and re-growing cells. Old skin out, nice skin in. Antioxidants help reveal the new, glowing skin, faster and this also means the right vitamin cocktail can help fight lines and wrinkles.
While there is no doubt that antioxidants can play a major role is helping us look our best, there is still the matter of finding a product that’s right for you. Here are a few suggestions:
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster
Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract and rosehip extract.
Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser
Contains white tea, Arabidopsis and maritime pine.
Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture SPF 30
Contains wine extract, rice bran oil and carrots.
