Antioxidants And Their Role Against Free Radicals

Antioxidants are substances that may protect the skin and body from damage caused by exposure to environmental pollution, lead, pesticides, radiation, and also by smoking cigarettes and drinking large amounts of alcohol. There are a number of antioxidants; some of the most well known include Vitamins C, E, A, beta-carotene, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10.

Antioxidants work to protect the cells in our body by helping to neutralize damage that may occur as a result of free radicals. Free radicals are formed when the body uses oxygen. Exposure to sunlight, cigarette smoke, and other pollutants can also have an effect, increasing the body’s free radicals and depleting antioxidants. Because free radicals are unstable compounds with unpaired electrons, they are forced to steal electrons from other healthy molecules, causing damage to the body. This process has been linked to aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic illness.

While free radicals are produced by normal human metabolism, they can be increased by smoking, alcohol, exposure to heavy metals, and radiation. Antioxidants counteract this process by binding to the free radicals, transforming them into non-damaging compounds, or repairing cellular damage. It would seem logical, then, to include antioxidants in your daily regime.

Antioxidants are our body’s only defense. Though antioxidants are a natural chemical within the body, they can also be found in certain foods and dietary supplements. Studies have shown that the skin is the last organ of the body to receive antioxidants from the food and supplements that we eat. This has prompted many skin care companies to develop products with antioxidant ingredients that can be applied directly to the skin. These topical products can help repair and prevent damage caused by sun, wind, temperatures, pollution, etc.

Though topical antioxidants are known to help heal environmentally damaged skin, some cosmetic studies show that they can do even more, such as slowing down the aging process and preventing wrinkles. Antioxidants are also thought to be helpful in the treatment of acne and other bacterial infections. Antioxidants are the antidote to free radicals. They can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin.

Whether taken as supplements or applied topically, these antioxidants are especially good for your skin:
- Vitamin A is found in several forms and is used to treat acne and soften skin. There is also some research that shows that, when applied topically, high concentrations of Vitamin A can help to smoothe wrinkles. One of the best known Vitamin A creams is Retin A, which was originally formulated to fight acne, but later touted as an anti-wrinkle cream. Foods rich in Vitamin A include liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese.
- Vitamin B comes in several forms. The ones most commonly used in beauty products are B-3 (Niacin) and B-5 (pantotheic acid or "panthenol"). Vitamin B is thought to help treat acne by balancing hormonal activity and is also commonly used as an agent to help lock moisture into the skin and hair. Foods: mushrooms, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, broccoli, and squash.
- Vitamin C also known as asorbic acid, has been shown to fight wrinkles, smooth fine lines, and help provide additional protection from sun damage when added to suncreens. Foods: all citrus fruits, mango, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries; green vegetables such as green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and kale.
- Vitamin E, usually listed as alpha tocopherol or tocotrenol, is probably the most ubiquitous antoxidant used in cosmetics and is widely recognized for its moisturizing qualities. Foods: vegetable oils, especially sunflower oil, fish oils, nuts, wheat germ, brown rice and oats, dairy products, meats and margarine.
- Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant pigments with antioxidant properties that contain proanthocyanins and polyphenols that are good for the skin. These substances are responsible for color in many fruits, vegetables and flowers. In addition to being potent antioxidant, some flavonoids have antiallergic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, cysteine and methionine are potent antioxidants.

In order for antioxidants to have any benefit they have to be in sufficient quantities in the tissue. Common antioxidants that are taken orally, or eaten, are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and the carotenoids, (deeply or brightly-colored fruits and vegetables are best; i.e.: spinach, carrots, red bell peppers, tomatoes).

Topical antioxidants may reduce UVA damage. UVA is the wavelength that produces visible signs of sun damage and has some carcinogenic effect. Topical antioxidants that have been studied in creams or ointments are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glutathione, Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Soy- isoflavanone. It has been shown that a combination of these has additional benefits.

Types of antioxidant products
- Eye Creams hydrate and protect against moisture loss in this extra sensitive area, while added antioxidant ingredients promote healing, restore skin tone, and help defend against future damage.
- Sunscreens with antioxidant properties are the perfect combination for fighting free radicals while protecting the skin from the sun. UV protection has been linked to lower risk of skin diseases, including skin cancer.
- Face Creams and Serums are enriched with essential vitamins and powerful antioxidant extracts that binds moisture to your skin as it repairs environmental damage.
- Cleansers provide an essential step in the daily skin care regimen, purifying the skin of excess oil, debris and dead cells. Antioxidant cleansers protect environmentally stressed skin by neutralizing damaging free radicals.
- Hand and Nail Care: Specially formulated to moisturize and condition the hands and cuticles while reducing the visible signs of aging.
- Body Care: Body firming products utilize nourishing antioxidants and strengthening ingredients to bring skin back to a healthier, younger-looking state.
- Lips: Prevent premature aging by shielding the delicate lip area from the ravages of the environment.

While many beauty products may tout an impressive list of antioxidants, the best way to ensure that your body has an optimal level of antioxidants is to maintain a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. There's no proof that antioxidants in pill form can improve your general health or extend your life, but there's nothing harmful about adding a few servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Whether your goal is to preserve your youthful skin, or perhaps manage uneven pigment, poor skin tone, fine lines, enlarged pores, sagginess, or wrinkles, you can easily improve the health and vitality of your complexion with the use of various types of topical antioxidants.

There is something else you can do to protect your skin, and it’s very simple. Drink more water. If you use moisturizing creams, making sure you drink enough water increases the ability of skin cells to respond to alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin C and increases the benefits of vitamin E in the skin. Avoiding sun, avoiding excessive use of alcohol, staying away from cigarettes and making sure you get your antioxidants in and on your skin will help turn leathery and wrinkled skin back to the vibrant skin of youth.