Top Benefits of Antioxidants in Skin Care

We hear a lot about the benefits of antioxidants, and for good reason. Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods can improve your energy levels and well-being by helping to neutralize free radicals in our bodies. They can also work wonders when applied topically to your skin. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium, green tea, idebenone, zinc, copper, and beta carotene have made their way into many skin care products and procedures to treat a range of conditions. Here are some of the top benefits of antioxidants in skin care:

Protection From Sun Damage

No matter how religious you are about applying daily SPF, which you should definitely continue doing, it’s impossible to completely avoid all sun exposure. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium can all help protect the skin from sun damage and even help prevent skin cancer. These antioxidants may also reverse some of the wrinkles and discoloration associated with aging by accelerating the skin’s natural repair systems. Green tea is another antioxidant that, when applied to the skin, can lessen sun damage by reducing inflammation. It packs powerful antioxidants known as catechins, which can clear cell damage on the skin and repair wrinkles, blemishes, and other impurities.

Reversing Aging Skin

Vitamin C goes beyond the glass of orange juice you enjoy each morning. It’s also a go-to nutrient for preventing and reversing signs of aging. This antioxidant boosts collagen formation, giving you a vibrant and youthful complexion. The catch is that you’ll need to find vitamin C in topical formulas if you’re hoping to reap the potential benefits to your skin. While it is great for your health, eating more vitamin C-rich foods is not known to significantly impact the appearance of your skin. Look for serums and moisturizers with ascorbic acid (the most-researched form of vitamin C) to give you firmer, younger-looking skin while fading signs of sun damage and acne scars. Among its many benefits, this potent antioxidant also works particularly well for treating brown spots and discoloration.

Firmer Skin

Many antioxidants can help keep your skin firm and youthful. Retinol, which is an active form of the vitamin A molecule, is a powerful antioxidant that has long been touted for its ability to help promote healthy cell turnover. It also stimulates collagen production and cellular regeneration, keeping skin firm and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Retinol can be found in a variety of products, including concentrated face masks, serums, eye creams, and daily moisturizers.

The benefits of antioxidants go on and on; these are just a few of the ways they can help your skin look more youthful and radiant. Want to learn more? Our team at Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS can help you determine which antioxidants will be the most effective for your skin type, and help you introduce them into your skin care regimen. Schedule your consultation today!

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