INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: ANTIOXIDANTS

Published February 1, 2023

If you’ve tossed apple slices in lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown, then you’ve been using the antioxidants in lemons to protect the apple’s skin. Let's find out more about these molecules and their protective properties as it relates to your skincare. 

WHERE DO ANTIOXIDANTS COME FROM?

There is an incredibly wide variety of antioxidants in the plant kingdom. The most well-known include vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as polyphenols.

Some foods, like green tea or turmeric, are particularly rich in antioxidants.

Minerals, such as zinc and selenium, can have antioxidant properties too.

Our cells are also equipped with antioxidant defense systems containing enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase or peptides like glutathione.

HOW DO ANTIOXIDANTS WORK?

When we breathe, our lungs fill with oxygen. This essential element for life is then sent to the cells to enable them to function and produce their energy. Paradoxically, oxygen can produce toxic compounds called free radicals, which oxidize our cells and damage all their components.

That is where antioxidants help, as they are molecules that can trap and neutralize these notorious free radicals. They act as a real defense system for our cells.

WHY INCLUDE ANTIOXIDANTS IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?

UV rays, pollution, stress, and smoking increase the amount of free radicals. When there are too many free radicals in cells, they become overwhelmed - this phenomenon is called oxidative stress.

The cells then function less well and their metabolism slows down. Cell renewal decreases, which causes the complexion to look dull and the cell components, including collagen and elastin, to oxidize, resulting in a loss of skin suppleness. This leads to premature skin aging.

Providing the skin with antioxidants helps it to fight oxidative stress in order to restore more radiant skin and prevent the signs of aging.

Several FILORGA products contain antioxidants. Our regenerating NCEF-INTENSIVE serum, for instance, combines vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin C to boost your skin’s firmness and radiance and correct wrinkles.