Antioxidants are molecules that aim to slow down oxidation and protect the body against free radicals.
How does it work?
What is called oxidation is actually a "chemical reaction, often caused by oxygen, by which electrons are removed from an atom or a molecule." according to Larousse.
What happens on our skin is roughly the same as what happens to an apple that turns brown, but over several decades!
Free radicals are naturally present in the body. They are molecules that lack an electron: we refer to paired electrons. Therefore, they need a pair to be more stable and in this search, they damage the skin by taking these molecules.
Antioxidants are useful at that moment, as they are molecules loaded with multiple electrons and have the ability to donate one to free radicals to stabilize them and prevent them from damaging the skin.
What are their effects?
These radicals create oxidative stress that causes premature skin aging, most often accompanied by imperfections.
Why?
The number of free radicals increases due to several factors such as:
- Pollution
- The UV rays
- Stress
- The consumption of cigarettes or alcohol: lifestyle hygiene in general
- Or even the lack of sleep...
Where to find it in food?
Fortunately, there are ways to slow all of this down thanks to these famous antioxidants! Not only through diet but also through various active ingredients present in cosmetics!
The most well-known antioxidants are:
- Beta-carotene (provitamin A)
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- Tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Polyphenols
- Lycopene (very widespread among plants)
- Tannins (in cocoa, coffee, tea, grapes, etc.)
- Anthocyanins (notably in red fruits)
- Phenolic acids (in cereals, fruits, and vegetables).
Where to find it in cosmetics?
The active ingredients to look for in cosmetics for them to be antioxidant are as follows:
- Vitamin A: we offer you the one from MCCM that hydrates and evens out the complexion.
- Vitamin C: the one from MCCM also fights against hyperpigmentation and brightens the complexion, in addition to being a powerful antioxidant!
- Vitamin E: FILORGA NCTF 135 HA is a poly-revitalizing cocktail composed of hyaluronic acid + 55 nourishing ingredients that deeply revitalize and hydrate dull, lackluster skin, restoring tone, elasticity, and firmness.
- Glutathione: the treatment from BCN institute that combines glutathione and vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant with significant anti-aging effects.
