Antioxidants and Skin Care

Antioxidants help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. The human body makes its own natural antioxidants that fight against free-radical damage; however, genetics, age, sex, and lifestyle factors can undermine their progress. You can boost your skins’ defenses with skin treatments containing antioxidants.

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that target and ultimately damage your tissues, protein bonds, and cells. They are often caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, smoke, chemical and biological pollution, alcohol, and stress. Free radicals multiply excessively until they are stopped by antioxidants. The escalation of free radicals can inhibit the rebuilding process of cells and the consequences include damage to your skin’s DNA, an aged appearance, wrinkles, sagging skin, a dull or rough complexion, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

The role of antioxidants, including the use of supplements, is still being studied, but we know that antioxidants can prohibit the free radical chain reaction before cell damage occurs.

In the past, people who wanted to reap the benefits of antioxidants applied vitamin E directly to their faces, although, problems occurred with people who had sensitive skin conditions. Also, the serum in vitamin E capsules is so thick that the skin has a hard time absorbing it. Today, there is a wide variety of lightweight antioxidant creams and serums that can penetrate under the skin’s surface. Vitamins containing antioxidants (specifically vitamins C and E) are more easily absorbed when combined with other ingredients. The goal of these creams and serums is to diffuse free radicals and strengthen the fibroblasts, which are bridges that support skin. Strengthening fibroblasts defends you from sagging, dull, rough-textured, and aging skin. Dermatologists also found that such vitamins may stimulate collagen production which is naturally depleted during the aging process. As we all know, collagen supports the skin and keeps it looking young and healthy.

The antioxidant formulas below are thought to be the best among dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

SkinCeuticals CE Feurelic	Obagi C Serum 15%	Murad Essential C Moisturizer

There are also a variety of cosmetic companies that are infusing antioxidants into their products, providing anti-aging treatments inside of the make up. Here are a few I like.

	“This is LORAC’s Breakthrough Performance Oil-Free Anti-Aging Foundation with SMS Complex and SPF 14 combines pre-aging, anti-aging, hydrating, and smoothing ingredients along with antioxidants. The SMS Complex (Second Messenger System) helps to counteract the signs of aging by increasing cell turnover and promoting skin’s natural ability to produce collagen. This system is designed for all ages and all skin types to help create a youthful, radiant complexion.”  – from the Beauty.com website. I like this foundation because it goes on smooth and feels lightweight, with of course, the anti-aging benefits.
	“Tarte Natural Beauty Natural Cheek Stain is a sheer berry flush that gives cheeks just a hint of tint naturally, by employing pigments derived from fruit and pure minerals. This cheek stain contains Skinvigorating ™ ingredients such as acai extract, an antioxidant-rich super fruit that promotes cell regeneration and has known anti-inflammatory and skin-softening properties, and goji berry extract, a nutrient-dense berry referred to as a “superfruit.” Pomegranate extract has a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamin C, acerola extract is rich in vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin, and maracuja extract has been known to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin.” – from Beauty.com. I like this cheek stain because it leaves a natural blush color and isn’t drying like powder can be.
	“Unlike traditional cream shadows that crease and smudge, Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow is waterproof and crease proof. A new twist on the makeup artist trick, the matching loose shadow in a roller ball applicator glides easily over cream shadow to lock color in and add luminosity so color lasts all day. This eyeshadow contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients such as mineral pigments, known for their soothing and softening properties, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts as anti-inflammatory emollient.” – from Beauty.com. I love this product. I tried it as a free gift, and bought my own. It goes on beautifully and it feels soft, like a moisturizer, and the color is beautiful. And our fragile eyelids need antioxidants, also!

These cosmetics are available at Beauty.com!

http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/antioxidant-skincare.html