Antioxidants Why They Are an Important Part of Your Skincare Routine
“Rich in antioxidants!” It seems like everything says that these days. But what does that even mean? And why are antioxidants so important?
Free radicals are waste particles that are produced by cells in our bodies as they process food and react to our environment. If our bodies cannot remove these particles, oxidative stress can occur and harm the cells. Oxidative stress has been found to increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Not good! Environmental factors such as pollution, UV exposure, and smoke can all increase the production of free radicals.
Antioxidants are superstars that support our cells and protect against oxidative stress! Dermatologists agree that antioxidants are an important part of everyone’s skincare routine. So what are some of our options? Retin-A (vitamin A) is an incredibly important antioxidant for anyone looking to fight the effects of aging. It has been shown to increase collagen and elastin production, which helps the skin maintain its elasticity. Vitamin C is not produced by your body, and so you must eat foods rich in vitamin C in order to gain its benefits. Your skin benefits most from topical application of vitamin C. Not only does vitamin C help protect against free radicals, it also increases production of collagen and elastin, as well as inhibiting the production of melanin (which causes hyperpigmentation).
In summary, “antioxidants” and “free radicals” aren’t just terms thrown around by dermatologists and skincare product marketing teams. Free radicals are harmful molecules that are produced by the body, and antioxidants help your body protect against them.
With so many serums to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Schedule an appointment with our team of experts at Beautiful Body and Beyond and let us guide you on your skincare journey!