In the last ten years, we often have the opportunity to hear how good and important antioxidants are. However, we wonder what they actually are and how they work?
In the simplest terms, antioxidants are nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals. They protect our skin from free radicals, harmful molecules that "steal" collagen from our healthy cells and thereby reduce skin elasticity. Antioxidants help our body to neutralize this process. They are real guardians of health and beauty.
The skin represents the body's first line of defense against harmful factors from the environment, and is therefore the most exposed to the creation of free radicals.
They cause irritation and damage to cells, especially the fibers that make up the middle layer of the skin (collagen and elastin), due to which the skin loses its firm structure and ages rapidly. Therefore, the use of antioxidants in cosmetic preparations is becoming more and more frequent because they prevent the occurrence of oxidative stress on the skin, which causes cell damage and premature aging of the skin.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), retinol (vitamin A) and green tea are the most commonly used antioxidants in the cosmetic industry.
Green tea
Best for: Calming
It's great when it's in your cup as well as when it's an ingredient in products you apply to your face. It contains polyphenols that not only remove free radicals, but also function as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps heal wounds. It will be effective in problems with rosacea, psoriasis and generally sensitive skin, even acne.
Unfortunately, we can't just put tea bags on our face and hope that will be enough – the concentration of antioxidants in them is most likely too low for such a thing to be successful. Instead, use a serum or moisturizer that is rich in the active substance of green tea - look for the name "camellia sinensis leaf extract" in the list of ingredients.
Vitamin C
Best for: Refreshing
Perhaps the strongest antioxidant for the radiant appearance of dry and tired-looking skin. Just like green tea, it will help hydrate and soothe the skin. It is similar to retinol in that it stimulates collagen production and evens out the complexion.
What is his greatest power is brilliance. If you regularly use a product containing ascorbic acid (chemical name) at intervals of 6-8 weeks, vitamin C will lead to hyperpigmentation and spots will disappear, and the overall appearance of the face will be much fresher.
Vitamin A
Best: for maintaining a youthful appearance
Retinol is highly concentrated vitamin A. Let's refresh the material: retinol smoothes fine lines, fills wrinkles, softens bulges and rougher parts, whitens spots and dark scars, drastically reduces acne (even those caused by hormonal imbalance). Of course, something this powerful must also have certain side effects. Namely, when you start using retinol, in the next few weeks, the "face" will be cleaned, which will manifest itself in the form of bulges, dryness of the skin and spots.
You need to get through this period because after that visible results come (3-6 months later). In the first week of use, it is enough to apply the product once before going to bed, then for the next two weeks use it twice a week, during the next three weeks - three times a week, and after that every other day for as long as you want to enjoy the benefits of vitamin A .
Bonus tip: Since retinol is applied exclusively in the evening, you can combine it with other antioxidants that you will apply in the morning. What is important is to avoid parallel application with vitamin C if your skin is sensitive and reactive.
Vitamin E
Best for: Hydration
You can find it under the name tocopherol in many cosmetic preparations. It is the most popular antioxidant because it does a little bit of everything and is not invasive. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, a strong shield against free radicals and premature aging. In short: a true professional in maintaining soft and elastic skin, and this is precisely the best prevention against the formation of any scars.
Although it is quite effective when used alone, it will be even more powerful in the fight against free radicals when it is combined with vitamin C (hence the numerous products with this combination). If your skin is not too sensitive, try doubling the products you use during your morning facial care: apply a hydrating product after the serum or an oil after the moisturizer, reports Elle.
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