A step by step guide to what antioxidants do

What are they?
According to the Academy of American Dermatology antioxidants are molecules that can prevent the oxidation of our skin which is one of the main causes of skin aging. You are probably familiar with the concept of oxidation from your every day life. Have you ever sliced an apple and come back 15 minutes later to see that it has turned brown? That’s oxidation. The same process takes place when a piece of metal comes into contact with water and rusts — that’s oxidation.

Oxidation can affect your skin in negative ways. That’s where antioxidants can come to the rescue!  Antioxidants can help you toward beautiful ageless looking skin by reducing the amount of free radicals that come into contact with it.  Read more about these free radical fighters here.

Antioxidants in Food and Drinks
Antioxidants are in a multitude of foods. The antioxidant vitamins you need to know are Vitamin A, C, E and selenium. Vitamin A can be found in vegetables and fruits such as carrots, pumpkin and mango. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits or vegetables such as kale and tomatoes. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds and oils. Selenium is in proteins like red meat, chicken, pork and eggs. Try to incorporate some of these antioxidant-rich foods into your daily meals to truly reap their benefits

Antioxidants in Skin Care
Now that you’re learned about how good antioxidants are when you eat them, it’s also important for you to know the benefits they can have when applied to your skin.

Vitamin C is the rockstar of skin care antioxidants. It’s also ideal to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and skin dullness. Just make sure that if you use a product containing Vitamin C, the container has minimal exposure to sunlight. Your product should also only have a small opening as exposure to air can interfere with Vitamin C’s efficacy.

Vitamin E is a good complement to Vitamin C and together the two are the ingredients you should be looking for in moisturizing skin care products.

Vitamin A is also known as retinol in skin care and it’s considered a superpower in the fight against aging looking skin. It can make your skin look firmer with an enhanced barrier protection. Retinol can be found in a multitude of products — make sure you have it in your moisturizer or serum.

Antioxidants can get you on the right path toward beautiful skin. Eating the fruits and vegetables, such as the ones outlined above, as well as using skin care products with antioxidants in them is a great way to look and feel your best and ensure gorgeous skin for years to come!