What Role Do Antioxidants Have In Skincare?
Antioxidants seem to be a bit of a ‘buzz’ word at the moment, and more and more often we are seeing them as a key ingredient of skincare products. But why is this? Put simply, antioxidants counter the natural ageing process.
Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins insides your body) that protect healthy cells and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are emitted when your body breaks down food or is exposed to harmful substances like pollution, cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. They begin a process call oxidation, a process that causes damage from oxygen that could lead to cell dysfunction. When it comes to skincare antioxidants have many different benefits.
When free radicals attack the body they break down collagen, which is responsible for keeping skin plump, firm and smooth. By applying an antioxidant-infused serum or moisturiser, it can seep into the dermal layers of the skin, neutralise free radicals and allow collagen production to continue and your skin to stay looking youthful and supple.
2. Minimized fine lines and wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process, and they occur when collagen and elastin start to break down in the skin. Gravity also has a further effects on facial skin, and causes it to sag. Free radicals, such as UV exposure, accelerate the ageing process but the antioxidants found in skincare can help ward this off.
3. Anti-inflammation
One of the most desirable qualities of antioxidants in their anti-inflammatory nature. They draw moisture into the skin, plumping the complexion and creating a more youthful appearance. Some antioxidants produce valuable anti-inflammatory results by increasing circulation and cell metabolism, this promotes a more even skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
4. UV Protection
Some antioxidants, like those found in grapes and soya, have been found to protect against UV exposure. UV rays are responsible for the majority of premature ageing, and can lead to dry, rough skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles and sun spots.
5. Scar Treatment
Another important benefits of antioxidants is reducing the appearance of scar tissue. Many types of antioxidants, including aloe vera, increase blood flow to scar tissue, which minimises the appearance of the scar and blends in the development of new tissue.
If you would like to get more antioxidants into your skincare then try our Space Antioxidant Booster. This antioxidant rich concentrate includes Vitamin C, which helps protect the vitality of cells by creating a defence barrier against daily pollution, and Grape Seed Extract, the most powerful plant-derived antioxidant combining skin protecting compounds like Resveratrol, Vitamin E and Linoleic Acid.