Our Skin's Natural Defense Against Aging — Antioxidants!!
By Elizabeth Karen
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number
of electrons that impact our bodies by disrupting our living
cells and causing cellular damage which in turn speeds up the
aging process and opens the pathway for disease. As we age, we
all accumulate free radical damage, but free radicals are also
increased through outside agents such as pollution, cigarette
smoke, and radiation from the sun and other sources. Our body’s
natural protection against free radical damage are antioxidants
which neutralize free radical damage by donating an electron and
stabilizing the atom, thus preventing cell and tissue damage.
The latest research on aging points to free radical damage as
one of the primary causes of aging and suggests that by boosting
our use of powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin C, green tea,
Vitamin E, and grape seed extract, we can effectively slow the
aging process by slowing the cell damage caused by free
radicals. These powerful antioxidants, featured in several
effective skin care products, are touted for their anti-aging
and anti-carcinogenic qualities.
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants available
and is effective in fighting free radical damage and maintaining
cellular integrity and thus fighting the growth of skin cancer.
Research suggests that topical application delivers more Vitamin
C than oral ingestion. Recent studies published by the Journal
of Investigative Dermatology also have shown that topical
application of Vitamin C has a rejuvenating effect on the skin
by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin,
particularly in post menopausal women who typically experience
reduced cellular function.
Research into the antioxidant power of green tea suggests
polyphenols, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and
anti-carcinogenic qualities present in green tea, when applied
topically or taken orally, have photo-protective qualities as
well. Many skin care companies have taken the cue and now green
tea extract is a common ingredient in many skin care products.
Vitamin E has long been used in skin care products aimed at
reducing scarring and stretchmarks, healing sunburns, and
treating skin inflammation because of its healing properties,
however, Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant. It plays a
valuable role in reducing the effects of free radical damage to
aging skin.
Grape seeds are rich in Vitamin E, but even more important are
the flavonoids found in grape seeds, phytochemicals with
important antioxidant properties. Grape seed extract has been
shown in laboratory studies to prevent the growth of various
types of cancer and is now added to both skin care products as
well as taken orally.
The latest skin care research convincingly demonstrates that
topical application of antioxidants is important to any skin
care routine. Not only does the application of antioxidants
reduce free radical damage, but it also has been shown to have a
pronounced photo-protective effect, reducing the damage caused
by UV exposure. Antioxidant application is particularly
important in aging skin as it increases the cellular function of
dermal cells, which tend to degenerate in aging skin.
About the Author: Elizabeth Karen has been studying natural
skin care and antioxidants for years. She believes that with a
good skin care regimen packed with antioxidants one can prevent
premature aging of the skin. One of Elizabeth's favorite brands
currently is Mad Hippie Skin Care - http://www.madhippie.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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