The antioxidants are essential in preventing wrinkles, expression lines, sagging and other signs of premature skin aging, as they can neutralize free radicals — molecules that oxidize and damage cells.
Another important action of antioxidants is to enhance the skin protection against UV and infrared rays. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with sunscreen, as sunscreen does not fully protect the skin against sun damage.
To get the most out of your benefits, it is essential keep your skin healthy, adopting a daily routine of essential care: restful sleep, hygiene, hydration, use of sunscreen, a balanced diet and specific treatments are just some of the examples we should follow.
But you must be wondering: what about the antioxidants? Where can I find them? There are currently many substances that help maintain luminosity and skin vitality, among them we can highlight vitamin E, vitamin C, astaxanthin, resveratrol, purple rice extract, ferulic acid, beta-carotene, among others.
When to start using antioxidants
Experts say there's no specific age to start using antioxidants; their use is more closely linked to the condition of each person's skin. However, the active ingredient is generally recommended after age 30, when skin begins to experience the natural aging process.
Where can we find antioxidants?
As we mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of substances that contain this active component.
Next, we will list five examples of antioxidants.
1. Vitamin C
Due to its effectiveness, vitamin C can be found in the formulation of various beauty products. It helps prevent destruction of collagen by free radicals and stimulates the production of new fibers, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, as well as combating lack of luminosity and blemishes. Among the foods we should consume daily to help keep skin healthier are orange, cashew, broccoli, acerola and cauliflower.
2. Vitamin E
Consuming this vitamin provides several benefits for the skin, such as reducing expression lines and blemishes, reducing and preventing wrinkles, promoting collagen production, and restoring skin elasticity. Without a doubt, one of the main oxidants that helps skin look younger. It is present in different foods such as peanuts, avocados, olive oil, nuts, papaya, among others.
3. Astaxanthin
It is a natural carotenoid derived from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis which converts it into nature's most powerful antioxidant. Its benefits include preserving youthful skin, combating the effects of ultraviolet radiation, hydration, uniformity, firmness, and elasticity, and reducing blemishes, wrinkles, and expression lines. Another important fact is its effectiveness. 6000 times more potent than vitamin C and 500 times more potent than vitamin E. It acts on the body from the inside out and can be found in dietary supplements.
4. Resveratrol
It increases the defense of cells against external aggressions such as the sun and pollution, promotes collagen production, increases the firmness and density of the skin, reduces expression lines, and prevent premature aging for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some foods with this substance are red grapes, red wine, peanuts, walnuts, dark chocolate, etc.
5. Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid, also popularly known as natural Botox, is a example of antioxidant with a high photoprotective capacity for skin cells. It's ideal for those who live in big cities, as it combats stress, smoke, and pollution. It's found primarily in blackberries and olives, as well as in rice and oats.
All these oxidants for the skin are very important for our health. From now on, take the necessary care to have hydrated, youthful, and radiant skin.