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Antioxidants

Antioxidants and free radicals are terms, which over the last few years, have become synonymous with skin care products such as moisturizer, which when applied topically, may help protect the skin against further free radical damage.

Research & Debate

Antioxidants are well known to provide health benefits when ingested (See Vitamin E : Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and emollient known for protecting against cancer, promoting a healthy heart and healing scars among other things. Since it cannot be produced by the body it must be supplied via food or supplements. It is also known to be very effective when applied topically. Note that it belongs to the tocopherol family of drugs and that many beauty products will claim to contain tocopherol although it is often artificial. Only the natural form of vitamin E is acceptable as an efficient antioxidant.

Copper Peptides

: Copper Peptides are considered to be a potentially powerful antioxidant which has properties that can heal and protect the skin from environmental damage.    Peptides contribute to improving the skin's elasticity,  stimulating collagen formation and elastin production.  (Note: Copper peptides and Vitamin C skin care products can not be used simultaneously or they nullify the effect of each other.  Simply use at different times of the day.) '''Vitamin A''' : Vitamin A (beta-carotene) is a retinoid and a deficiency of this vitamin leads to dry skin. Not only does it play a part in healthy skin, but it also performs a variety of other functions in keeping the body healthy from vision to bone growth and even your immune system.'''''' '''''

Choosing Antioxidant Products

# Topical antioxidants can be very pricey, costing as much as $600 (think of the 1.4 ounce Kanebo Sensai Premier The Cream)sans. Only you know how much is realistically within your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a beauty product that may or may not be worthwhile. # Stick to common antioxidants that are known for their efficacy, such as vitamin E, C and selenium, and leave the less researched ingredients alone, especially if they cost an arm and a leg. # Opt for moisturizers and serums rather than cleansers. Since they are able to absorb into the skin completely, you can be sure that the antioxidants will have time to work. Cleansers on the other hand are just going to get washed off. # In order to select an effective product, make sure that the concentration of the active antioxidant ingredient is identified.

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