Our Skin’s Natural Defense Against Aging – Antioxidants!!
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons that impact our bodies by disrupting our living cells and causing cellular damage which in turn speeds up the aging process and opens the pathway for disease. As we age, we all accumulate free radical damage, but free radicals are also increased through outside agents such as pollution, cigarette smoke, and radiation from the sun and other sources. Our body’s natural protection against free radical damage are antioxidants which neutralize free radical damage by donating an electron and stabilizing the atom, thus preventing cell and tissue damage. The latest research on aging points to free radical damage as one of the primary causes of aging and suggests that by boosting our use of powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C, green tea, Vitamin E, and grape seed extract, we can effectively slow the aging process by slowing the cell damage caused by free radicals. These powerful antioxidants, featured in several effective skin care products, are touted for their anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic qualities.
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants available and is effective in fighting free radical damage and maintaining cellular integrity and thus fighting the growth of skin cancer. Research suggests that topical application delivers more Vitamin C than oral ingestion. Recent studies published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology also have shown that topical application of Vitamin C has a rejuvenating effect on the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, particularly in post menopausal women who typically experience reduced cellular function.
Research into the antioxidant power of green tea suggests polyphenols, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic qualities present in green tea, when applied topically or taken orally, have photo-protective qualities as well. Many skin care companies have taken the cue and now green tea extract is a common ingredient in many skin care products.
Vitamin E has long been used in skin care products aimed at reducing scarring and stretchmarks, healing sunburns, and treating skin inflammation because of its healing properties, however, Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant. It plays a valuable role in reducing the effects of free radical damage to aging skin.
Grape seeds are rich in Vitamin E, but even more important are the flavonoids found in grape seeds, phytochemicals with important antioxidant properties. Grape seed extract has been shown in laboratory studies to prevent the growth of various types of cancer and is now added to both skin care products as well as taken orally.
The latest skin care research convincingly demonstrates that topical application of antioxidants is important to any skin care routine. Not only does the application of antioxidants reduce free radical damage, but it also has been shown to have a pronounced photo-protective effect, reducing the damage caused by UV exposure. Antioxidant application is particularly important in aging skin as it increases the cellular function of dermal cells, which tend to degenerate in aging skin.
Author Bio: Elizabeth Karen has been studying natural skin care and antioxidants for years. She has found that by using an antioxidant rich face cream daily, eating well (lots of fruits and vegetables), staying out of the sun and exercising regularly you can hold back the years. A good skin care routine should include a gentle facial cleanser, a vitamin c serum (which is fantastic at battling free radicals) and a moisturizing face cream. Elizabeth truly believes that by taking care of your skin today, you can look better tomorrow!
Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: skin care,antioxidants,anti aging,aging,skin,free radicals,face cream,green tea,vitamin c,health
