In the never-ending quest for the fountain of youth, antioxidants are the “it” ingredient of the decade.  A nutrient that is naturally found in Fruits, Vegetables, Beans and Whole grains, antioxidants are readily being added to everything and including of course, skin care products.

Sales of antioxidant products are on the rise.  In fact, according to Nutrition Business Journal, in 2008, antioxidant supplement sales totaled $4.6 billion.  When it comes to skin care, the presence of antioxidants is expected.  Those who work in the esthetic industry recommend antioxidant-rich products to their clients daily explaining the science that proves their ability to protect skin health and its appearance.

Let’s consider the science of antioxidants

Free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron.  Free radicals steal electrons from nearby molecules within the cell turning them also into a free radical.  It is a chain reaction that causes damage to the cells of the body.  Another word for this is oxidation and it can lead to dis-ease or disease.  Free radical oxidation is responsible for every degenerative disease as well as the breakdown of collagen and elastin resulting in the development of fine lines and wrinkles.  Luckily, antioxidants to the rescue.   They are like soldiers for the cells.  They shield the cell with armor and sacrifice themselves to the free radicals by providing the electron the free radical seeks.

Antioxidants and the body

There are literally thousands of antioxidants but the ones we are most familiar with are A, C, E and Beta Carotene.  As we age, we produce more free radicals therefore it is important to increase the antioxidant intake.  Considering that the very best, undisputed method for obtaining antioxidants is by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.  This is just one reason why the Centers for Disease Control has promoted its “Fruits & Veggies- More Matters” campaign.  The goal is to keep more antioxidants than free radicals in the body.

In 2009, a team of researchers implemented a study to determine the effects of skin moisturizers containing antioxidants on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of human skin.  The team found the it is indeed beneficial to use a topical skin care product that includes antioxidants because they increase antioxidant levels in the skin.  Another study demonstrated that, when applied properly in topical form, antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E “arm the skin with a reservoir of antioxidants that cannot be washed or rubbed off, a protection which stays in the skin for several days after application.”

Recommendations

Consume a healthy diet.   A diet rich in whole food fruits, vegetables, berries, beans and grains.  If you do consume supplements, be sure they are Whole Food, not synthetic.

Limit your exposure to oxidative stressors such as, cigarette smoke – first hand and secondhand- excessive sun exposure, and other environmental toxins, such as pollution etc.

Antioxidant-rich Foods

• Berries (various antioxidants)
• Broccoli (Vitamin A)
• Carrots (Vitamin A)
• Citrus fruit (Vitamin C)
• Fish and shellfish (Selenium)
• Green peppers (Vitamin C)
• Leafy Greens (Lutein)
• Nuts and seeds (Vitamin E)
• Tomatoes (Lycopene)
• Watermelon (Lycopene)
• Whole grains (lignans)
• Red Wine (polyphenol)

*Excerpts Taken from Skin, Inc Magazine and article by Ahmed Abdullah, MD