Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow down the damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pollution. They are also called free-radical scavengers, and the source of it can be both natural and artificial. Certain plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, and the body also produces antioxidants known as endogenous antioxidants. So, why should you care about antioxidants?
Free radicals are reactive and unstable molecules, formed naturally when you exercise or when your body converts food into energy. Your body can also be exposed to free radicals from an environmental source, such as cigarettes, air pollution, and UV exposure. This free radical can cause oxidative stress, which is a process that triggers cell damage, including DNA and proteins. NU Skin reviews that oxidative stress not only damages the cell, which is bad for our skin and causes pre-mature ageing, but it also plays a vital role in the cause of a variety of diseases including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, eye disease, and many more.
Anti-oxidants molecules are said to help neutralize free radicals in our body, they are found in certain plant-based food such as apples, grapes, blueberries, nuts, green tea, leafy vegetables, nuts, dark-chocolates, and wine. An antioxidant-laden diet is beneficial for keeping our cells healthy; after all, we are what we eat.
There is a list of benefits of using antioxidant based skincare products that will do a lot for your skin. Some antioxidants brighten your skin, calm irritation, reduces inflammation, and even smoothens fine lines. Here is a list of some of its benefits:
Anti–Inflammation
Calming inflammation is one of the most desirable benefits of antioxidants; reducing inflammation promotes even skin tone and help keep wrinkles and acne at bay. Antioxidants found in green tea and pine barks produces an excellent anti-inflammatory result by increasing circulation and cell metabolism.
Skin Firming
Using skin firming products gives a result of younger-looking skin by improving skin health and rejuvenating its appearance. CoQ-10 is a common skin-firming antioxidant and is found usually in eye creams and products that are meant for toning skin.
Scar Treatment
Antioxidants found in aloe vera and onion extracts called allium increases blood flow in scar tissue. It helps in minimizing the look of the scar and help the tissue blend in with the development of the new skin since scar tissues have a different cell structure.
Repairs Sun Damage
Now we all know the saying, too much in everything is not good. While exposure to the sun has its benefits, it can also be bad for your skin. Sun damage can make your skin appear tough, wrinkly, dry it out, and damage cells. Sun damage can be reversed with antioxidants that stimulate blood flow in the skin can encourage the growth of new cells making the skin appear younger. There are many products available in the skincare market for treating sun damage.
Antioxidants are the hardest working skin-care ingredient. Not only do they scavenge free radicals for better-looking skin, but it will be healthier in general.
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