Antioxidant Skin Care
Antioxidants are a very effective weapon in our arsenal as we fight against the signs of aging, as well as the battle to control acne. These molecules of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes do an amazing job of battling the well-known enemies of overall health (including skin) – free radicals.
Free radicals are inflammatory atoms or molecules that can cause a great deal of damage through oxidation when an over abundance of them are found in the body. One of the ways these free radicals can harm your skin is through the breakdown of collagen,which is something your skin requires if it is to stay soft, strong, and supple.
Vitamins A, C,and E are natural warriors in this fight. They do a remarkable job of slowing down the damage that free radicals can cause through oxidation of cells within your body, including your skin. They do this by actually being oxidized themselves while protecting other cells from damage.
Vitamin A(retinol) is probably one of the most effective antioxidants for protecting your skin and helping its cells to grow and repair themselves. When it penetrates the outside layers of your skin, Vitamin A helps shield your skin from sun damage and works on dissolving keratin plugs (which contribute to acne problems).
Vitamin E works in tandem with vitamin A, because it insures that your body’s store of retinol is adequate for protecting your skin. Selenium (a mineral), which shares the same properties as other antioxidants, aids vitamin A in its protection of the skin from sun damage.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that can be of great help in your skin’s regeneration. In addition, if you are beginning to notice age spots as time marches on, vitamin C (and other antioxidants) could possibly help minimize the discoloration that makes them so noticeable.