The 5 natural ingredients (antioxidants) that protect your face from aging
Did you know that 4 out of 5 wrinkles are the result of an invisible phenomenon on the surface of our skin?
It is the same process that is responsible for the rancidity of the apple.
And the worst part is that it is amplified with time because our skin becomes less able to fight it.
It is the result of exposure to aggressive molecules, the free radicals emitted by:
- The sun
- The cigarette (it alone contains 2 billion cigarettes)
- The stress
- The pollution
- The Fatigue
- A poor lifestyle habits
- Alcohol
- Artificial lights produced by monitors (TV, smartphones, tablets)
This phenomenon is called oxidation or oxidative stress.
To fight it and preserve beautiful skin for as long as possible, you need to choose a healthy lifestyle and have recourse to nature that offers the best antioxidants for your skin.
I have selected for you a list of the 5 most powerful natural antioxidants to integrate into your beauty routine to fight the action of free radicals.
Antioxidant n°5: Precious oils that give a healthy glow
Plants have to endure the harmful effects of UV and sunlight on a daily basis, so they develop a natural shield to protect themselves from them. Polyphenols contribute to this natural protection.
On the face and torso, the combined action of antioxidants, polyphenols and carotenoids, which provide vitamin A while having the advantage of providing a pretty tanned complexion[1], is preferred.
The oils that contain the most (26,400 ppm) are rosehip (dog rose) oil, Rosa Canina, and musk rose of Chili oil, Rosa rubiginosa (mosqueta). Apply 2 or 3 drops of one of these precious oils, preferably in the morning.
Antioxidant n°4: The small anti-wrinkle vitamin that has nothing to envy the big brands
Like plants, we also produce a vitamin that can fight the harmful effects of free radicals.
It is vitamin E that is naturally contained in the skin’s protective layer, sebum.
The problem is that over time, we produce less sebum, so the skin is less protected by the action of this vitamin.
A few drops of pure vitamin E or wheat germ oil can therefore be applied [2] to rebalance this process.
It should be noted that many natural cosmetics already contain vitamin E, which is an excellent preservative. You can identify it by the mention Tocopherol on the label.
Antioxidant n°3: The famous coenzyme Q10, or Ubiquinone
We hear a lot about Q10 without really knowing what it is. This coenzyme is omnipresent in all our cells and therefore naturally in our skin.
It is also found in foods such as beef, chicken, fish and broccoli that have the highest levels of it [3].
For cosmetics, it is made from the fermentation of beets. It is found under the mention ubiquinone in anti-aging serums.
It is essential to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, but not only. Its deep action on the extent of wrinkles has been proven.
Antioxidant n°2: The wonderful vitamin C
It is a vitamin naturally present in citrus fruits, kiwi, peppers, cabbage… It is vitamin C, also called L-ascorbic acid.
This vitamin is very precious as it stimulates the skin thanks to its gentle exfoliating action.
It boosts cell renewal, helps smooth the skin texture and evens out the complexion with a few drops in just a few weeks [4].
The only constraint is that it oxidizes very quickly and produces a slight sting when applied (like lemon!).
Choose a serum that contains real vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid on the label and at least 5%.
Keep it in the fridge after opening so that it keeps all its freshness.
Antioxidant n°1: The super plant antioxidant, resveratrol
Resveratrol is THE super antioxidant. If only one was needed, it would be this one. It is found in grape skin and seeds, Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), blueberries, raspberries, pomegranates, and wine.
Its super anti-aging power is based on its dual action:
- It is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and the action of free radicals released by UV rays and pollution [5].
- It has the advantage of prolonging the life of cells by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis [6].
There are serums or creams made from natural resveratrol mainly made from grapes or Japanese knotweed.
Feel free to share your anti-aging tips with readers of MicordermabrasionHome community by submitting your testimonial.
[1] Carotenoids and polyphenols in nutricosmetics, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals
2] Vitamin E
3] Coenzyme Q10
[5] Resveratrol as an antioxidant and pro-oxidant agent: mechanisms and clinical implications
[6] Effects of Resveratrol and Collagen Supplementation on Facial Aging