Antioxidants in Skincare

As we get older, we all learn the importance of a stellar skincare regimen to protect our skin from free radical damage. UV rays, pollution, toxins can all cause free radicals on and in our skin, which can prematurely age our skin. Telltale signs of ageing include fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging and dullness.

When you choose to use natural and organic skincare, you will naturally find formulas possess potent antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help protect, repair and nurture your skin. Here we talk you through some of the best sources of antioxidants used in skincare, and why they are so good for your skin.

Vitamins C and E

Two vitamins we hear about all the time when considering nutrition, these vitamins have also become a permanent fixture in many skincare ranges due to their antioxidant properties. They work particularly well together. Vitamin E is a peroxyl radical scavenger, which means it reacts with this type of free radical to form a tocopherol radical (vitamin E with the addition of the free radical). When vitamin C is present, it will act as a hydrogen donor to create a stable molecule, leaving the vitamin E molecule whole.

Raspberry seed oil: Essential fatty acids and Vitamins E and A help improve skin elasticity and suppleness.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - Green Tea Extract - reduce oxidative stress when applied topically[1] and reduces UV induced inflammations[2].

Vitis Vinifera - Grape Seed Extract - rich in a powerful antioxidant called oligomeric proanthocyanidins, grape seed extract can protect the body from sun damage[3].

Cucumis Satvius (Cucumber) Fruit Extract - can suppress melanogenesis, the discolouration of skin[4] and can help protect against carcinogens that cause tumours[5].

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract - a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, with calming and regenerative benefits for the skin.

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract - another powerful anti-inflammatory plant extract with remarkable healing benefits.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - close in structure to the skin’s sebum, helps replenish moisture in the skin.

Euterpe Oleracea (Olive) Fruit Extract - contains essential fatty acids dry skin needs and antioxidant phenolic compounds. Can protect against UVB damage.

Reishi mushroom - rich in polysaccharides which send signals in the skin responsible for skin hydration and moisture retention, and are also imperative for skin repair and renewal.

References

[1] http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/carcin;22/2/287

[2] http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0955286306001902

[3] http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089%2F109662003772519831

[4] Kai H, Baba M, Okuyama T. Inhibitory effect of Cucumis sativus on melanin production in melanoma B16 cells by downregulation of tyrosinase expression. Planta Med. 2008;74(15):1785-8.

[5] Villaseñor I, Simon M, Villanueva A. Comparative potencies of nutraceuticals in chemically induced skin tumor prevention. Nutr Cancer. 2002;44(1):66-71.