Why are antioxidants so important for good skincare?

Do you want healthy, radiant skin? Achieving that healthy glow might be easier than you think. To function and look its best, your skin needs a little help from vitamins and antioxidants. While many of these can be found in everyday foods we eat, it’s good to supplement your diet with a vitamin and antioxidant-enriched skincare range.

Over time, skin begins to oxidise, as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light, leading to discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles. All of these symptoms are the skin’s natural signs of ageing – but not something you need to put up with.

The science behind antioxidants and skincare

By supplementing your diet with antioxidants, you can counter the skin’s natural ageing process and slow it down. Antioxidants work by reducing oxidative stress and consequently slowing down skin cell damage. They help neutralise free radicals that are usually produced when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet light – preventing these free radicals from attacking our skin’s structure. Unfortunately, when our skin’s structure comes under attack, elements like collagen, which help give our skin volume and elasticity, start to disappear. This results in symptoms like lined, wrinkled and sagging skin.

Skin-boosting antioxidants and where to find them

Antioxidants include vitamins and minerals, which together boost and enhance the skin. Vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, and minerals like zinc and copper, are just some antioxidant ingredients to look out for. When you see moisturisers and treatments that include these vitamins and minerals you can expect to see an improvement in your skin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help to reduce wrinkles and lines and help the skin appear more youthful. It slows down the rate of free radical damage and boosts the production of collagen – necessary for youthful skin.

Get your dose in:

Fruits like oranges, pineapples and strawberries and the skincare range Flavo-C.

Vitamin A

Retinoic acid, a form of Vitamin A, tackles common signs of ageing like wrinkles, skin thinning and elasticity. It does this by reducing the breakdown of collagen and boosting the skin’s tone.

Get your dose in:

Foods like sweet potato, carrots and dark leafy greens and the skincare range Retriderm.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps to protect and repair skin. It can help tackle symptoms like wrinkles, fine lines and dryness – and general premature ageing of the skin.

Get your dose in:

Good fats like peanuts, avocado and almonds and the skincare ranges Endocare.

Vitamin B

For general wellbeing and skincare, B vitamins are a must. They’re one of the top beauty ingredients, helping transform skin, nails and hair. They also boost the immune system and regulate the skin’s pigment production.

Get your dose in:

Foods like egg, milk and cereals.

Of course, antioxidants are present in many of our treatments too, like our Derma-Facials and natural fruit Chemical Peels.

What other ingredients have helped to boost your skin? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @APSkincare_