The Power of Antioxidants in Skincare and 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin from Environmental Damage
- Introduction
- Antioxidants and their role in skincare
- Conclusion
Pollutants, UV rays and free radicals cause premature ageing, skin dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. These skin conditions plague the skin as a result of damaged skin cells. Antioxidants are, however, the antidotes for several skin conditions that plague the skin. It is a powerful compound that should be in skincare ingredients to promote fresh, smooth and supple skin. Environmental stressors like pollutants and UV rays are unavoidable, but with the power of antioxidants, the effects of these stressors can be tackled effectively.
Understanding Antioxidants and Their Role in Skincare
Free radicals are caused by environmental stressors like the sun’s rays and environmental pollution. These molecules can be neutralised by antioxidants because they neutralise free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress and antioxidants are known to inhibit oxidation, which protects the skin cells and prevents stress-induced skin conditions like inflammation, premature ageing and many more. The inclusion of antioxidants in skincare regimen will help protect skin cells and inhibit premature ageing, inflammation, fine lines, sunburn and many more.
Antioxidants are important to include in a skincare regimen as they do the following:
- Diminish ageing signs: Antioxidants neutralise free radicals which helps reduce skin damage and help to reduce ageing signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
- Prevent sun damage: The combination of sunscreen and antioxidants shields the skin from UV radiation, reducing the chance of sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
- Reduce inflammation: antioxidants are effective substances that relieve inflamed skin by lessening the inflammatory response to external stresses.
- Brighten the complexion: antioxidants help to inhibit the production of excess melanin, preventing uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a powerful antioxidant treatment against dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
5 ways to prevent the skin from oxidative stress/free radicals
- Apply Skincare Products Rich in Antioxidants
One of the best methods to protect the skin from environmental stressors and damage is to use skincare products packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are effective components that guard the skin against environmental stressors, leaving the skin radiant and blemish-free.
Potent antioxidants in skincare products:
Vitamin C: vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that brightens the skin and revives the skin’s glow. It promotes the synthesis of collagen and neutralises free radicals, leading to an enhanced skin texture and complexion.
Vitamin E: vitamin E is a nourishing antioxidant that promotes skin hydration. It improves the protective effect of Vitamin C on the skin against UV rays
Green Tea Extract: green tea extract is anti-inflammatory. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties offer relaxing effects for the skin, especially for sensitive and irritated skin.
Niacinamide is another powerful antioxidant commonly referred to as vitamin B3. It fortifies and strengthens the skin’s barrier against UV radiation and pollutants. Avila Intense lightening cream contains niacinamide. It protects the skin from environmental stressors. Our Vitamin C serum is also another skincare product packed with antioxidants that boost collagen and prevent premature ageing, revealing a radiant and supple glow.
- Wear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is a vital skincare product that protects the skin from UV rays that cause skin cancer, premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and many more. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen provides all-round coverage against both UVA and UVB radiation. It actively shields the skin from the underproduction of collagen, sunburn, cancer and irritated skin. Free radicals are caused by UV exposure; hence, the combination of sunscreen and antioxidants will both protect and prevent skin cell damage. These two combos provide supplementary defence against free radicals and UV rays. With a sunscreen of SPF 30, coupled with a rich antioxidant skincare product, the skin glow is increased and texture is enhanced.
- Cleanse and Exfoliate Regularly
Due to environmental pollution, debris, particles and oil can build up on the skin, blocking the pores and causing acne breakouts, skin irritation and dullness. To prevent these conditions from affecting the skin, it is important to cleanse the skin regularly to remove impurities and buildups. A mild cleanser is recommended in this case to prevent drying out the skin due to the escape of natural oils. For deep removal of build-ups, exfoliation is essential. It gets rid of dead skin cells, diets and contaminants that can cause breakouts. Adequate exfoliation allows blood circulation and improves the absorption of antioxidants in skincare products. As a result, it promotes skin cell renewal, leading to a brighter glow and supple skin. However, it is important to avoid overexfoliation, as it causes skin barrier damage and increases vulnerability to external stressors.
Avila Naturalle has a range of natural exfoliants that offer natural and nourishing solutions. It is made with natural ingredients packed with antioxidants like papaya extract, turmeric, lemongrass, honey and many more. It removes dead skin cells, softens the skin and reveals a flawless complexion.
- Hydrate and Strengthen Skin Barrier
The skin barrier is meant to be strong and moisturised to adequately act as a defence against environmental damage. It is an essential function of the skin barrier as it makes it less susceptible to free radicals and pollutants effects. Moisture fortifies the skin barrier to tackle external stressors and provide glowing and firm skin. The best moisturisers to use are the ones packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, ceramides, and other natural components. These components work synergetic ally to restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and keeping damage at bay. Hyaluronic acid is also one powerful and effective component that contributes to skin hydration, which helps keep the skin moisturised and plump
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle contributes to the health of the skin. Taking care of the skin from within plays a crucial role in quality skin health. They also protect against environmental damage from within. For instance, eating antioxidant-rich foods will support internal defence against free radicals that combat the skin.
Foods high in antioxidants that should be included in the diet are:
Berries: berries are rich in flavonoids and vitamin C, which help fight against free radicals and environmental stressors.
Green leafy vegetables: green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and olli all contain beta-carotene and lutein, which are antioxidants that improve skin health Nuts and seeds: Vitamin E is another antioxidant agent that nourishes and preserves the skin barrier. Almonds and sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E.
Other essentials for good skin include drinking sufficient water, working out frequently, and managing stress. Regular exercise can manage stress and increase blood circulation. This helps the skin absorb nutrients better while removing pollutants and toxins from the body, contributing to the overall appearance.
Environmental damage leads to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin irritation. One of the effective ways to battle oxidative stress and environmental damage is to use skincare products packed with antioxidants to reduce skin damage. These help contribute to a healthy and radiant complexion. Making the right lifestyle choice in skincare and diet can offer a plethora of benefit to the skin. Antioxidants are absolute most in every skincare regimen to provide consistent protection from environmental damage.
