Antioxidants in Skincare: Everything You Need to Know!

Antioxidants: natural actives for radiant and protected skin that you want to incorporate in your skincare ASAP! Present in "superfoods" on our plates as well as in our favorite moisturizers, antioxidants seem to be the perfect solution for radiant skin and optimal health!

But what are antioxidants really, and why have they become so popular?

This article will detail the importance of antioxidants in cosmetics, explaining their crucial role in protecting against free radicals and premature skin aging.

Understanding oxidative stress – the prey of antioxydants!

To better understand the pivotal role of antioxidants in your skincare products, we should understand an important subject: free radicals, oxidative stress and their effects on our skin.

What are free radicals and oxidative stress?

Without delving too much into the details of molecular chemistry, free radicals are atoms with an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive. In order to regain their stability, they try to regain this missing electron... in the process they damage surrounding cells. This includes cells such as proteins, lipids, and DNA, thus contributing to premature aging of our skin.

Free radicals are generated both within the body, in normal metabolic processes (meaning, this happens to everyone...and its a normal part of aging), and externally, by factors such as:

• Pollution
• UV radiation
• Smoking
• Stress
• ...

This molecular reaction is defined as "oxidative stress".

Beyond their effects on our skin, studies have shown that oxidative stress is also linked to health issues such as cardiovascular disorders, inflammation, cancer, and more.

Antioxidants role in figting off oxidative stress:

Antioxidants are there to balance out these free radicals 🥊: they neutralize them by providing them with the missing electron without becoming unstable themselves. That's why antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting our skin and health against the damage of oxidative stress.

To fight against the damage caused by free radicals, our body has an antioxidant defense system. Meaning, our body naturally produces antioxidants. But in some cases, such as when overexposured to the external factors mentioned above, it may be necessary to reinforce this defense system. We need to increase the amount of antioxidants into our body through a balanced diet and an organic skincare routine.

Effective antioxidants in skincare

In skincare products, several types of natural active ingredients can provide us with antioxidants. You can find them in serums, eye contours, face masks, face and body moisturizers, and even hygiene products!

Some organic brands now offer ranges that target fighting off oxidative stress, such as the antioxidant line from Absolution, or Patyka's anti-pollution skincare line, Léonia's Beauty Ritual set, and also La Canopée's antioxidant routine...

Vitamins:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C brightens the complexion, stimulates collagen production, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

• Vitamin A (Retinol): Although more often used in the form of synthetic retinoids in non-organic cosmetics, the natural form of vitamin A (such as that found in rosehip oil) can also have antioxidant effects and help regenerate the skin.

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Primarily used to prevent the oxidation of fatty substances in cosmetic formulas, vitamin E is also valued in natural and organic cosmetics for its antioxidant properties for the skin.

Minerals:

• Zinc and Selenium: Two essential trace elements with antioxidant properties that help protect the skin against damage from free radicals and promote healing.

Vegetable extracts:

• Green Tea 🍵 : Rich in polyphenols, green tea helps neutralize free radicals and soothe the skin. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rosemary  🌿 : Rosemary extract helps protect the skin against environmental damage. It also has purifying and toning properties, making it ideal for oily skin types.
• Marigold (Calendula) 🌼 : Calendula extract is valued for its soothing and regenerative properties. It contains flavonoids and carotenoids that provide antioxidant protection to the skin.
• Damask rose 🌹 : Damask rose extract is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamins C and E. It also has moisturizing and regenerative properties.

Conclusion : Antioxidants, Your Allies Against Oxidative Stress!

We are exposed to free radicals every day. The result: oxidative stress, a naturally recurring process in our bodies. But with antioxidants, our loyal allies, we can reduce its impact on our skin and our health.

By choosing organic cosmetics rich in natural antioxidants, you can help reduce these harmful effects and preserve the health of your skin in a natural and effective way.

Beyond using just cosmetics, it is essential to also adopt a healthy diet. One could say that having antioxidants on our plates is even more important than in our cosmetics! But incorporating both is even better. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, green vegetables, nuts, and seeds help strengthen the skin's defenses and the rest of our body against free radicals.

Beauty In & Out is not just a passing trend; it is essential!

Sources :
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318652#How-do-free-radicals-damage-the-body
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6828919/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/