Antioxidants are getting more attention than ever at the moment. Considering that all KRS formulas are antioxidant-based, we wanted to share an article highlighting our top picks and how they can transform and protect your skin!
Taking antioxidants in through your diet is essential for keeping your cells healthy and protecting you against disease and infections, but applying your antioxidants topically is essential for healthy, happy skin.
Taking care of yourself comes down to what you’re doing internally, as well as externally so be sure to use products on the outside that are just as nutritious as your food choices!
Keep reading to learn a little more about our top antioxidant recommendations and why we love them so much!
What is an antioxidant?
Naturally, you want to understand what an antioxidant actually is and how it works.
Put simply, an antioxidant is a molecule that helps to protect the body and skin against harmful free radicals.
Free radicals, formed during a chemical reaction called oxidation, are unstable molecules. They can cause a lot of damage because they target and damage healthy cells. Free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells to become stable, and this action puts healthy cells at risk. Not only does this increase your risk of disease, it also accelerates aging in your skin.
Antioxidants help by counteracting and neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals.
Free radicals result from numerous different factors, including pollution in our environment, poor lifestyle choices like smoking and prolonged stress. For our skin, the sun is a major source of damage. Filling your body with antioxidant-rich foods and supplying your skin with topical antioxidants is your best defense against damaging free radicals.
Glutathione
In short, glutathione protects your skin from strong oxidants.
Naturally present in human cells, this important antioxidant helps to boost immunity in your body. When applied topically it is fantastic for brightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation, as it encourages the skin to produce less eumelanin, which contributes to darkening of the skin, and more of the brightening Pheomelanin.
Glutathione is also a wonderful natural anti-aging ingredient that may help to increase moisture in the skin and reduce wrinkles, according to this study.
Niacinamide
This is one superstar ingredient your skin is going to want to become very familiar with! Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is excellent for both oily and aging skin thanks to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antioxidant benefits can help to prevent and reverse the signs of aging, while anti-inflammatory properties minimize acne breakouts and soothe irritation in troubled skin types. It may also help reduce pore size as it regulates oil production. When applied topically, B3 decreases melanin synthesis, giving the skin a more even skin tone by fading dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation.
Astaxanthin
Hydration is the key to youthful skin and astaxanthin will ensure yours is beautifully moisturized at all times. It increases moisture in the skin and improves moisture retention while it increases elasticity and provides natural UV protection against harmful UV rays (but that doesn't mean you should skip the SPF).
CoQ10
Collagen, a very important structural protein, needed to keep the skin taut and plump, naturally decreases as we age. For this reason we need to find natural ways to boost collagen production and CoQ10 can help. CoQ10 is present naturally in the human body, found in every cell and tissue and it will help to fight off free radicals as it regenerates and repairs the skin.
Resveratrol
This excellent antioxidant is found in red grapes so you would be correct that a glass of red will give you a boost (but that comes with some unwanted effects, too)! However, applying resveratrol topically provides even better results. Resveratrol reduces inflammation and protects your cells against oxidative damage, which is when there is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the skin. Regular use will keep your skin bright and youthful as it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Green Tea (EGCG)
One of our core ingredients here at Kate Ryan, and for good reason! EGCG, a potent polyphenol found in green tea, has some serious skin benefits. Not only does it help to protect against free radicals, it also helps reduce inflammation, regulate sebum production and it may even protect against skin cancer! Say hello to brighter, healthier skin when you add this antioxidant hero into your regimen.
Vitamin E
We’re familiar with Vitamin C, but Vitamin E deserves just as much recognition! This antioxidant vitamin helps to neutralize free radicals while it repairs and heals. Vitamin E fights the signs of aging, reduces brown spots and will help heal and fade scars associated with inflammation in the skin.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
This natural chemical was first discovered in the 1950’s but was not recognized as an antioxidant until 1988. Known as the universal antioxidant, as it is both water and oil soluble, alpha lipid penetrates the skin membrane where it delivers its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at a cellular level. It also enhances your skin’s natural exfoliation process for baby soft skin that glows with radiance!
No matter your age, start protecting your skin from free radical damage and aging. You really won’t look back once you start incorporating powerful antioxidants into your routine!
If you enjoyed this post, you may find these interesting as well:
- Benefits of Gotu Kola for Your Skin
- 6 Ways to Boost Circulation Naturally for a Glowing Complexion
- DMAE Benefits: How DMAE Works to Improve Your Skin
