Antioxidants - Information

Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells by neutralizing external forces and internal factors i.e. emotions, metabolism, and the presence of excess oxygen. Antioxidants are necessary because they combat free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts that are formed when oxygen is used by the body.

Anti-oxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation. Anti-aging is becoming a major concern in advanced societies around the world. There are hundreds of known antioxidants, many of which are plant derived. The important antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. Antioxidants are thought to protect the skin by attaching themselves to free radicals, minimising the harm they do to the skin.

Antioxidants are mainly taken by ingesting tablets and most tablets contain the antioxidant proanthocyanidin.Proanthocyanidin is the most powerful antioxidant known. Every plant contains hundreds of phytochemicals, many of which provide antioxidant protection and fulfill many other essential functions.

Free radical damage is one of the principal mechanisms of aging. Free radicals are highly and indiscriminately reactive chemicals that can damage any structure in living cells. Skin suffers additional free radical damage from sunlight and pollutants.

Topical antioxidants provide some protection against environmental damage to the skin. The topical antioxidants are relatively unreliable. Their effect depends on skin permeability, other ingredients in the cream and many other factors.

Antioxidants are anti-aging,which is a category of nutrients that have the ability to defend our cells by fighting cell-damaging free radicals. The antioxidants used in cosmetics are derived from certain vitamins, mainly A, C and E, which form part of the body's natural defence and balance system.

Oxidants are the enemy of healthy cells. This is considered the primary cause of aging and a variety of diseases. Oxidants thrive by exposure to sunlight or pollution, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress or unhealthy eating habits.

Vitamin C Antioxidant:

Vitamin C, which contains magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the skin's immune system and defends against the damaging effects of free radicals that can age skin prematurely.

It also helps in protecting the skin from the signs of aging by naturally increasing collagen and elastin production, stimulating cellular renewal and increasing healthy circulation.

There are four important powerful antioxidants i.e. vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and linoleic acid, which defend against environmental stress.