When skin cells are healthy and functioning properly, they produce antioxidant enzymes to destroy free radicals and other harmful elements that can cause skin damage. However, skin cells are constantly subjected to conditions that can generate more free radicals.
Free radicals are linked to:
- Damage to the skin;
- Premature skin aging;
- Skin cancers;
- Skin sensitivity;
- Skin sagging and discoloration;
Aging skin is susceptible to free radical damage because of:
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun;
- Radiation;
- Hormonal changes;
- Poor diet and lifestyle choices;
- Environmental toxins;
- Other harmful elements.
When free radicals attack your healthy cells and tissues, they may cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to your DNA. With time, this damage will cause your skin to age.
Antioxidants are believed to reverse these signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals in your skin to help maintain cell health and complexion. With that in mind, how do you use antioxidants to achieve healthier skin?
What are Antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a biochemical substance that inhibits or prevents the oxidation of other molecules. When free radicals attack other molecules, they can cause damage to genetic material, cell membranes, and other structures that can lead to disease.
There is a variety of antioxidants, but for healthy skin, you need to focus on a few key antioxidants. The most popular antioxidants are:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Alpha-lipoic acid
As well as these popular antioxidants, there are several other antioxidants, but to get the best results from antioxidants in anti-aging treatments, you should focus on these antioxidants.
What are the Skincare Benefits of Antioxidants?
When free radicals attack your healthy cells and tissues, they may cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to your DNA. With time, this damage will cause your skin to age.
- Reduction in the signs of aging;
- Prevention of UV and other damage to the skin;
- Increased skin hydration;
- Decreased inflammation;
- Decreased redness;
- Reduced skin sensitivity;
- Skin protection;
Vitamin C, in particular, can enhance your skin health by providing the following:
- Increased collagen production;
- Improved collagen production;
- Decreased inflammation;
- Decreased oxidation;
- Increased moisture;
- Protection from UV damage;
- Decreased wrinkles;
- Protection from skin cancers.
How to Increase Your Antioxidant Intake for Better Skin Health
It can be tricky to obtain all the nutrients your body needs from food alone. And when trying to get your daily dose of antioxidants, it may be challenging to get the right amount every day.
Antioxidant supplements are an excellent way to get antioxidants into your diet. However, you need to choose the right supplement to ensure you get the right amount of the right antioxidant for your skin.
If you are using a supplement, be sure to check your daily dose of antioxidants to ensure you are getting the right amount needed. If you are trying to get your antioxidants from food, be sure to choose foods high in antioxidants, such as:
- Blueberries;
- Broccoli;
- Grapefruits;
- Kiwi;
- Leafy green vegetables;
- Spinach;
- Tomatoes;
- Other fruits and vegetables.
Eat these foods in their raw state for optimum nutrient absorption.
The Bottom Line: How Antioxidants are the Key to Healthy Skin
If you are looking to improve the health of your skin, you need to focus on your antioxidant status. Since free radicals can damage your cells and tissues, it is important to add more antioxidants to your diet.
Foods such as berries are great sources of antioxidants that you should be eating every day. But if you are making healthy food choices and are still suffering from inflammation, redness, and other skin problems, you need to add an antioxidant supplement to your diet to achieve the best results.
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