We sift through the marketing hype and science jargon to tell
you why these little gems are your skin’s best friend.
What the heck are they?
Antioxidants are molecules that counteract ‘oxidative
stress’ in the body. Ever taken a bite out of an apple and set it aside, only
to find the flesh had turned brown minutes later? That’s oxidative stress. Rust
on your bicycle? Oxidative stress. Copper candelabra turns green? You guessed
it. Oxidative stress is part of the natural ageing process, and affects all
living things (and candelabra).
Although your body produces its own antioxidants, oxidative
stress happens when harmful molecules called ‘free radicals’ start to overwhelm
the body’s antioxidant defences – causing cells to die and our skin (and the
rest of the body) to age. So you can understand why oxidation is bad for your
skin – and why antioxidants are good.
We can boost our body’s antioxidant levels by exercising
regularly, eating plenty of fresh fruit and veg – and using genius beauty
products.
Specially formulated creams that contain antioxidants can
help to counteract oxidative stress in the skin caused by sun exposure,
pollution, cigarette smoke, stress and air conditioning, to name a few.
There is a mind-boggling array of anti-ageing products out
there, but if one or more of the following ingredients is listed on the label,
you know it’s the real deal.
Vitamin C
Filorga Meso-C
Multivitamin Radiance Treatment 21 Days
·
Increasing levels of vitamin C in the skin can prevent and
(unlike most antioxidants) even repair some signs of ageing.
·
It firms the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and
elastin.
·
It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and scars.
·
Topical vitamin C can be unstable, so look for formulas with
ascorbic acid, the most stable form of vitamin C.
·
Ensure products containing vitamin C are packaged in opaque,
airtight containers as they degrade and become less effective when exposed to
oxygen and sunlight.
Filorga Meso-C Multivitamin Radiance Treatment 21 Days, for
a set of three ampoules, rejuvenates and brightens the complexion.
Idebenone
Prevage Clarity
Targeted Skin Tone Corrector
·
Idebenone was first used to preserve organs and prevent oxidation
during transplant surgery.
·
It’s a bio-engineered (lab-created) antioxidant and has the
ability to stop free radicals from even forming.
·
Because idebenone is so strong and effective, it can cause
irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Regular use shows a significant improvement in skin tone and
texture as it revitalizes skin cells.
Prevage Clarity Targeted Skin Tone Corrector minimises the
appearance of age spots, pigmentation and discolouration.
Alpha lipoic acid
Nimue Alpha Lipoic
Activator
·
When applied topically, ALA protects skin from sun damage.
·
It’s very useful for treating enlarged pores, wrinkles and dull
skin.
·
ALA boosts levels of other antioxidant, such as vitamin C.
Nimue Alpha Lipoic Activator is an anti-ageing booster
treatment that can be used day or night.
Retinoic acid
Environ Intensive
Intense Vitamin A Retinol 1
·
Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A.
·
It’s excellent for treating sun-damaged skin, fine wrinkles and
age spots.
·
It restores elastic fibres, making your skin appear firmer.
·
It has also had some success in treating minor cancers.
·
Retinoic acid can cause a reaction, so it should be gradually
introduced.
Environ Intensive Intense Vitamin A Retinol 1 is brilliant
for reducing the visible signs of sun-damaged skin.
Green tea
Givenchy No
Surgetics Plasti Sculpt
·
Thought it was only good for your insides? Well it’s also great
for your skin if applied topically, in fact, it’s 100 times more effective than
vitamin C at neutralizing those naughty free radicals.
·
Studies show that it protects against DNA damage caused by the
sun.
·
It’s an anti-inflammatory, making it a good choice for those with
sensitive skin.
Givenchy No Surgetics Plasti Sculpt with green tea
polyphenols (polyphenols are a class of plant chemical that have antioxidant
properties), boosts collagen and elastin.
Coenzyme Q10
Nivea Visage Q10
Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
·
Found naturally in the body, this vitamin-like substance helps
with cell growth and protection against cancer.
·
It has the ability to soften crow’s feet and wrinkles.
·
It firms sagging skin.
Nivea Visage Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream firms skin and
minimises dark circles.
Rooibos
Annique Forever
Young Bo-Serum
·
This wonder-tea has a truckload of health-boosting properties, as
well as an intense soothing effect on skin irritations like sunburn, acne and
eczema.
·
Rooibos helps to firm skin, and also diminishes fine lines and
wrinkles.
·
Studies indicate that rooibos can be useful for preventing skin
cancer and increase sunscreen’s effectiveness.
Annique Forever Young Bo-Serum firms, smoothes and lifts
sagging skin.
Ever taken a bite out of an apple and set it aside, only to find
the flesh is brown minutes later? That’s oxidative stress…
