Fri, September 10, 2010

Antioxidants

The benefits of antioxidants when it comes to your skin

We hear a lot of talk about antioxidants, and how they are good for our skin and body. But are all antioxidants created equal?

First let's get down to what antioxidants are. According to Jennifer Linder M.D. , an antioxidant is a vitamin, mineral or enzyme that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation.

Linder says 'oxidation occurs when free radicals become more powerful than what the antioxidant can control.'

Too many free radicals can damage healthy cells, proteins and DNA. Linder says you'll recognize free radicals in your body from inflammation, outside your body they are known as pollutants, UV exposure, and smoking, you get the picture.

That's where the antioxidants come in. They can boost your skin's protection to UV exposure which can lead to skin cancer. The best part? They are already in some of your favorite foods, but each one performs in a different way which means you need to use them in different ways.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and may be the most common because it's found in fruits and vegetables. When you eat it, it is of course good for your body, but when it comes to your skin, Dr. Linder says it is best to apply it to your skin. She recommends it in the form of L-ascorbic acid.

You can find EGCG in green tea, Linder says it is an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Linder goes on to say Vitamin E is great for heart health, and when you apply it to your skin, it is a 'free radical scavenger'.

Silymarin, Linder says, can help the skin protect itself from UVA and UVB damage, while caffeine encourages the breakdown of damaged cells which decreases the risk of cancer.

To achieve the best results Linder suggests you vary the antioxidants in your skin care products. She says, 'More is better! More variation, that is, of antioxidants in skin care regimens the better. Since each antioxidant has a different benefit and affect on the skin, the more that are incorporated into serums, moisturizers or sunscreens, the healthier the skin will be.'

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