All About Antioxidants

There are many known benefits of antioxidants for the skin. The transformative benefits include moisturisation and brightening of the skin, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and alleviation of inflammation and rosacea.

Chances are you have probably heard of antioxidants, but how do they work and why do we need them?

First we need to understand what free radicals are. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage the skin. This instability within the molecule is due to an uneven ratio of electrons and protons. Remember from chemistry that a molecule has an even number of protons and electrons? Well this number is very important because when this number is thrown off balance the molecule becomes unstable. Unstable molecules will try to stabilise itself by stealing an extra electron from other molecules.

This creates a domino effect as then the molecule it stole from becomes unbalanced and so on. This causes oxidative stress which is very harmful to the body and the regulations of systems within. Oxidative stress is worsened by factors such as ultraviolet rays, environmental pollutants, smoking, and alcohol consumption. 

How to fix oxidative stress?

This is where antioxidants come in. Antioxidants are able to donate an electron without becoming unstable themselves. By donating an electron the molecule will no longer be off balance and try to take one from other molecules. With the correct number for protons and electrons molecules are able to function as they need creating homeostasis within the skin at a cellular level.

Antioxidants  subdue the effects of free radicals, thereby preventing cells from dying. This reparation is regulated and preformed by antioxidants which help prevent signs of early ageing. The sun and the harmful UV rays that come with it are what often cause ageing as the UV rays penetrate and denature molecules essential to skin function. By adding antioxidants skin is able to keep the damage at bay as it continuously regulates new cell production thus reducing signs of ageing.

By stabilising free radicals, antioxidants shield the skin from oxidative stress, allowing the skin cells to heal and regenerate at a much quicker rate. Free radicals are infamous for destroying the natural collagen and elasticity in our skin, which is where rapid ageing comes into the picture. This stabilisation process helps to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots thus restoring the skin’s natural youthfulness leaving you with a balanced and bright complexion.