Antioxidants are massively trending in the world of skincare, but do you really know what they are? No judgment if you don’t, science can be confusing at the best of times.
Antioxidants are plant-based nutrients that you keep you looking and feeling your best by protecting your skin against free radicals. “What are free radicals?”- I hear you ask? They are molecules in the environment that damage your skin through a process known as “oxidation”.
Ever cut an apple in half and noticed it go brown in the space of an hour? That my friend, is oxidation.
A similar process happens inside our bodies when we are exposed to pollution, smoke, chemicals and UV rays.
The pesky free radicals cause destruction within the cells that make up our body and skin, leading to collagen breakdown and weakened elasticity. They basically suck the life out of your face.
Antioxidants have the power to neutralise free radicals and protect your skin from damage. As if that’s not awesome enough, they can also brighten your skin, calm irritation, inflammation and smooth fine lines.
The most common antioxidants found in skincare are Vitamin A, C, E, CoQ10 and green tea.
5 Reasons Why You Need Antioxidants In Your Skincare Routine.
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Anti-Pollution and UV Defence
You don’t see it happening as you do with an apple going brown, but your skin takes a daily beating from the sun, pollution, smoke and chemicals in the air. All of this can lead to pigmentation, sagging, wrinkles and a dull skin tone. Antioxidants can prevent this damage, encourage the growth of new cells and slow the ageing process.
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Form Calm Skin
Inflammation is at the route of most undesirable skin conditions ranging from acne to psoriasis and ageing. Antioxidants such as green tea and chamomile are fantastic anti-inflammatories and can calm irritation, redness and help prevent acne and accelerated ageing.
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For Firm Skin
Collagen and elastin are what gives your skin that youthful bounce, its strength and elasticity. Antioxidants such as CoQ10 protect collagen and elastin from free radical damage, thus promoting skin firmness and an overall youthful appearance.
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For Bright And Clear Skin
Certain antioxidants, Vitamin C in particular have the unique ability to improve the appearance of a dull, uneven skin tone and pigmentation as the result of sun damage. Stabilised forms of Vitamin C such as Stay-C can also prevent the formation of acne and pimples.
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For Smooth Skin
Although it is impossible to erase wrinkles, abundant research has shown that antioxidants have the ability to visibly soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A, C and E are particularly good for the purpose of improving the appearance of wrinkles.
In summary, antioxidants can dramatically decrease the rate at which you show visible signs of ageing.
No one antioxidant is better than the other, your best bet is to use a combination of them in your routine for maximum protection against damage, the more the better. Luckily, most skincare products combine several antioxidants in each of their formulations making your life a whole lot easier.
All Holy Grail Beauty Products are packed full of antioxidants including Vitamin C, A, E, CoQ10, green tea and chamomile.