Antioxidants are substances that protect the skin by limiting free radical production. Free radicals are molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. Free radicals are unstable molecules that react with other molecules to gain stability, triggering a chain reaction that damages healthy cells. Free radicals cause oxidation, break down collagen, start inflammation, and show signs of aging, wrinkles, and pathogenesis of human skin cancer.
Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting the production of free-radical. This minimizes signs of aging, calms down skin inflammation, reduces sun spots, increases moisture retention, and provides skin with hydration to revitalize dull skin.
REPAIRS SKIN – Antioxidants reduce inflammation which allows the skin to repair itself, correct visible signs of damage, stimulate collagen production for healthy glowing skin. Inflamed skin hinders the skin renewal process.
BRIGHTENS SKIN TONE – Antioxidants reduce skin photo-damage, which prevents the production of abnormal skin pigments. Free radicals and sun exposure can trigger changes in skin melanin production, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Antioxidants can stimulate melanin production and inhibit the production of tyrosinase.
MINIMIZE SIGNS OF AGING – Oxidative stress hinders the skin’s natural repair process, breaks down collagen, and triggers inflammation. Antioxidants can prevent and correct signs of aging by reversing the damage through cellular repair and healing.
PREVENT SUN DAMAGE – Antioxidants are anti-inflammatory, so they provide protection against sun damage by preventing sunburn and photo-aging. Free radicals are reactive and damage human skin cells; antioxidants create healthier cells that increase collagen and ceramide production.
TYPES OF ANTIOXIDANTS
VITAMIN A (RETINOL) – Vitamin A is an antioxidant that creates healthier skin cells by increasing the production of collagen, elastin, and skin ceramide. This leads to an improved skin texture, enhancing skin moisture barrier resulting in firm, smooth and healthy skin.
VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID) – Vitamin C increases collagen production, reduces skin discoloration, enhances the skin repair process, reduces inflammation, fights against wrinkles, and helps skin withstand exposure to sunlight.
VITAMIN E (TOCOPHEROL) – Vitamin E protects the skin cell membrane from oxidative damage and prevents early signs of ultraviolet light wear.
RESVERATROL – Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces cell damage, protects against sun damage, increases collagen production, and prevents acne, rosacea, and eczema. It inhibits the development of skin cancer.
MARULA OIL – Marula Oil is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that prevents skin disorders like eczema, protects against environmental stressors, and facilitates skin renewal. It covers the skin against radical damage associated with UV exposure, pollution, diet, smoking, premature aging, and sun damage.
LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT – Licorice Extract is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient that calms down inflamed sensitive skin. It contains liquiritin, an active compound that helps to disperse and remove existing melanin in the skin. It also includes the molecule “licochalcone A,” which inhibits two inflammatory markers that trigger inflammation.
INDIAN GOOSEBERRY (AMLA BERRY) – Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berry) is an antioxidant with antiviral and antibacterial properties. It protects the skin from free radicals and repairs damaged tissues. Its high content of vitamin C (20 times the amount of vitamin C than an orange) helps brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and protect the skin from the damaging effects of age and pollution.
BAOBAB OIL – Baobab Oil is packed with vitamins a, b, c, e, omega – 3, omega – 6, and omega – 9 fatty acids. It heals imperfections, softens, regenerates, helps soothe eczema, and moisturizes skin thanks to its antioxidants and ample amounts of vitamins. It reduces hyperpigmentation by restraining the melanin generation in melanocytes. In addition, it minimizes the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating the generation of collagen and elastin under the skin.
GLUTATHIONE – Glutathione is a molecule naturally found in the body. It’s made in the liver and nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is a master antioxidant that balances the body free of radicals by preventing inflammation and other cell damage. In addition, it lightens the skin by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating the enzyme which helps produce skin pigment.
BETA – GLUCAN – Beta-glucan is an antioxidant and a hydrator better than hyaluronic acid. It is a humectant that boosts the skin barrier by attracting water to the top layers of the skin, making it perfect for people with a compromised skin barrier. It repairs skin, prevents skin damage, and deeply hydrates skin, protecting it from daily environmental stressors.
COENZYME Q10 “CoQ10” (UBIQUINONE) – provides energy for cells to grow and protects them from developing cancer. CoQ10 works well with Vitamin E to improve firmness and elasticity of the skin. A drop of CoQ10 contributes to the aging of the skin.
NIACINAMIDE – Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 that improves uneven skin tone, diminish dullness, softens fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthens a weakened surface. In addition, Niacinamide enhances the skin barrier, keeps skin firm and healthy by reducing the impact of environmental stressors because of its ability to regulate oil production and help skin retain its moisture barrier.
SOURCES:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-66723-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2083123/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3542438/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7801590/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7822711/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7822711/
