What The Heck Are Anti-Oxidants?
We need to talk about antioxidants…
For yeaaaars, I have heard ‘full of antioxidants’ in certain skincare products and food. I just nodded my head in agreement like, “oh yes, antioxidants, very good“, WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THEY WERE. If you’re like me, please keep reading as I feel this post might be for you!
Free Radicals
Before we dive into antioxidants, we need to learn what free radicals are since they go hand in hand. So let’s break it down… We have oxygen molecules to help us breathe and give us energy from the foods we eat. And free radicals are the waste product from various foods, pollution, smoking, X-rays, etc. Free radicals split those important oxygen molecules, which causes oxidative stress. The free radicals attach themselves onto oxygen molecules, causing them to become unstable. This isn’t good because free radicals can cause your skin and body to age and damages cells (which could eventually mutate into tumours).
Antioxidants
So you’re probably thinking “well how do I lessen the amount of free radicals in my body?” That’s where antioxidants come in! Antioxidants are molecules in your body that fight free radicals. Basically, they neutralize the free radicals from causing oxidative stress.
Our body naturally produces antioxidants, but definitely not enough to keep up with the certain foods we eat, all the pollution, chemicals in our products, etc. So how do we provide our body with antioxidants?
Food
“Super-food” is yet another word that gets tossed around, but they are probably talking about antioxidant rich foods! In a nutshell, foods that contain vitamins A, C, E and colourful fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants.
Some good examples of these foods are nuts, broccoli, dark chocolate, berries, kale, beans, spinach, etc.
Skincare
Antioxidants protect the skin by neutralizing free radical production, can reduce sun spots, help combat visible signs of aging and calm skin inflammations. Antioxidants also provide the skin with hydration and increases moisture retention that aid in revitalizing dull-looking skin.
Ingredients to look for in skincare that are rich in antioxidants are:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C diminishes the look of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Basically it’s the anti-aging superstar for all skin types! Vitamin C has been proven to help skin feel firmer and smoother, while improving uneven skin tone and brighten dull skin.
(The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum, $18.99)
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize and tighten pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen the skin’s surface. Niacinamide also reduces environmental damage with its ability to improve skin’s barrier and plays a role in helping skin to repair signs of past damage.
(Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $45)
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most well-known antioxidants and works in several ways to protect and defend skin from outside elements. Vitamin E is often found in sunscreens due to its ability to defend skin from the stress caused by UV rays.
(The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil, $30)
Vitamin A/Retinol
Retinol can improve skin’s resilience, minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and uneven skin tone. It can also unclog congested pores and soften the appearance of the red areas that many of us struggle with!
(The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum, $13.99)