Skin Saviours

Part 1: Understanding Antioxidants Ones cells are under attack by free radicals day in and day out Over the last few years more and more research has confirmed that many common diseases are associated with deficiency of antioxidant nutrients and can be eased by taking antioxidant supplements. So by giving yourself optimum antioxidants protection, you can slow down your visible ageing and also reduce your risk of developing disease. Firstly what are antioxidants ? Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells by neutralizing external forces (such as damage from the sun, pollution, wind, and food intake) and internal factors (for example, emotions, metabolism, and the presence of excess oxygen). Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene.

Why do we need them? Antioxidants protect skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. Antioxidants in skin care products can do a lot for the health and appearance of your skin, including reducing the signs of aging. From calming inflamed skin to tightening and toning, antioxidants offer great benefits from natural sources. Top 5 reason for antioxidants and skin care are: 1. Anti - Inflammation : calming of inflammation. Antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid and others found in pine bark and green tea, produce valuable anti-inflammatory results by increasing circulation and cell metabolism. Reducing inflammation promotes more even skin tone and helps keep acne and wrinkles at bay. 2. Skin firming: Antioxidants may actually reverse the effects of aging by improving skin health and rejuvenating its appearance. Coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10, is a common skin-firming antioxidant. 3. Reduced appearance of wrinkles: Although it is nearly impossible to make wrinkles disappear, skin-care products with antioxidants can help plump out the skin and make it appear more youthful. Most antioxidants are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but vitamins C and E are especially beneficial. 4. Scar treatment: Reducing the appearance of scar tissue is another important benefit of antioxidants in skin care. Scar tissue has a different cell structure than that of healthy skin, making it rigid. Many types of antioxidants, including those found in aloe and an onion extract called allium, increase blood flow to scar tissue, minimizing the look of the scar and blending in the development of new skin. 5. Repair of sun damage: We all know that too much sun is dangerous, but it can also be bad for your skin's appearance, drying it out and damaging cells. Antioxidants that stimulate blood flow in the skin can help encourage the growth of new cells and make sun-damaged skin appear younger. Tropical applications are not a 100% reliable and that Their effect depends on skin permeability, other ingredients in the cream and many other factors. It appears that increasing oral intake of some antioxidants may additionally protect skin from free radicals. A combination of an antioxidant rich diet along with topical antioxidants will help prevent free radicals from damaging your cells and will encourage more beautiful skin. By making an effort to include more antioxidant rich foods in your diet ( red/orange/yellow vegetables and fruits ; purple foods; green foods and seeds ) and applying topical antioxidant to the surface of your skin you will be one step ahead of those pesky free radicals One can also take a broad spectrum antioxidant supplement daily: Recommended vitamins: • Vitamin A 2500 -6600 mcg • Glutathione (reduced) 25 – 75 mcg • Vitamin E 66-660mg • Vitamin C 1000 – 3000mg • Co – Q10 – 10-50mg • Lipoic acid 10-50mg • Anthocyanidin source 50-250mg Please remember to refer to you health consult before supplementing. Next week – skin saviours – essential oils (omega’s 3,6,9) Ref : http://www.overstock.com/guides/Top-5-Benefits-of-Antioxidants-in-Skin-Care http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/what-can-antioxidants-do-for-your/ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/09/010903092015.htm P.Holford - solve your skin problems