Why Antioxidants Are So Important For Your Skin

So the saying goes, "You are what you eat", but really the truth is that we are what we digest, and that has a direct impact on your skin's health and appearance—so whether you're a skincare-aholic like me, or you're just trying to look a little more fresh faced these days, keep reading. Here, we'll cover the major role of antioxidants in this equation, and why they're not only important to incorporate in the foods we eat d a i l y, but also in our skincare regimen.

What Are Antioxidants

Let's get into the chemistry of it all, but if that's not your thing, go ahead and skip to the good part: 'How You Can Start Reaping Their Benefits' below. Antioxidants are powerful molecules that protect our bodies by fighting off free radicals. So, what are free radicals, and why are they bad? Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that attack and break down the DNA of our cells. They can come from UV rays, pollution, alcohol, smoking, poor diet, pesticides in food, and even the blue light that emits from our phone and computer screens—yikes. They negatively impact our internal organs and our skin by activating the enzyme metalloproteinases, (I can't pronounce it either), which in turn destroys collagen in our bodies. Collagen, and its ability to sustain itself and reproduce, is a key factor in maintaining healthy skin, and achieving that fresh glow we're all getting after.

How To Start Reaping Their Benefits

So how can you start incorporating antioxidants into your lifestyle choices? Keep reading. Here are some staple food items with high antioxidant content that you can aim to start including in your diet if you aren't already—while of course being mindful of any known food sensitivities you may have: most types of berries, mangos, pomegranates, avocados, pecans, Brazil nuts, green tea, ginger, turmeric, dark leafy greens, and more.

Although it's not always easy to make these choices, aiming for food items that are non-GMO and organically grown may help us get the most 'antioxidant bank for our buck', as organic farming emphasizes soil health and biodiversity which can contribute to higher levels of antioxidants, and the genetic makeup of the food items may also play a role.

Now for the fun part: serums and creams. We use serums that contain antioxidant-rich ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and niacinamide, in your journey toward healthy skin—whatever that looks like for you.

Always consult with a medical esthetician or dermatologist to really hone in on your top skin concerns.

You can find affordable brands like The Ordinary at your local Ulta or Sephora. However, if you have the financial resources, or are willing to splurge on some t o p n o t c h, highly effective products, medical grade skincare brands like Skinceuticals, Vivier, and Zo Skin Health, are where it's at. The concentration and combination of active ingredients in medical grade products is more potent and effective, making it more likely to deliver strong results. Additionally, medical grade products are often clinically tested before being approved and delivered to the market.

A vitamin C serum is a great place to start when it comes to antioxidant based skincare. Applied in the morning, it directly fights the negative effects of free radical stress on the skin, protecting that beautiful face of yours as you go out into the world. SPF of course, is also a non-negotiable when it comes to free radical protection. It also has a brightening effect when used consistently, allowing you to start fighting off dull or uneven skin tone. I'm currently using: Vivier C E PEPTIDES.

Retinol—i.e.: concentrated vitamin A, is the one of the most sought after ingredients for individuals seeking anti-aging effects, and should be applied in the evening. In its fight against free radicals, retinol ramps up collagen and elastin production, and promotes cellular turnover, helping you slow down and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Off-the-shelf retinol has a limited concentration depending on where you live, so if anti-aging effects are important to you, always aim for medical grade retinol and try to get it prescribed by a dermatologist. Note that retinol increases photo-sensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to damage from UV exposure, highlighting the major importance of sun protection at all times.

Life hack: if you have health insurance, prescription retinol from a dermatologist can be covered either completely or partially, making it way more affordable than off the shelf retinol, for a clinically tested and proven product.

Niacinamide also has antioxidant properties, and can help with redness and dark spots, however if you suffer from skin conditions like rosacea or hyperpigmentation, again, I strongly recommend consulting a professional before adding any products to your routine.

Other ingredients such as vitamin E, green tea extract and sea buckthorn are also antioxidant powerhouses.

Bottom line: antioxidants should always be a part of your fridge and pantry, as well as your cosmetics cabinet!

#Antioxidants #VitaminC #SkinCare