Dull skin is one of the many skin problems people often face, and it is the first thing one notices too. No one wants wrinkly, dull-looking, or unhealthy skin, but maintaining that radiance is not that simple. However, you can get that natural, radiant glow on your skin almost effortlessly by switching things up a bit like including antioxidants in your skincare routine.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or slow down the cell damage caused by free radicals and unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pollutants. There are two types of antioxidants – exogenous (antioxidants that come from outside the body) and endogenous (antioxidants that the body produces itself). These antioxidants are sourced through natural foods or artificially. Either way, the benefits of antioxidants are plenty, and that’s what you will learn about today.
First, we’ll take a look at the multiple antioxidants that work the best for your skin. There are hundreds of antioxidants and substances that help with keeping the skin healthy. The exogenous antioxidants include:
- Vitamin A
treats fine wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin caused by sun exposure
- Vitamin C
helps protect the skin against sun damage and skin cancer
- Vitamin E
helps reverse some of the discolouration and wrinkles associated with ageing
- Beta-carotene
increases the skin’s defences against UV radiation and helps maintain skin health and appearance
- Lycopene
this dietary antioxidant is known to prevent skin photo damage
- Lutein
helps hydrate the skin and improve skin elasticity, and protects against harmful UV rays and certain eye diseases
- Selenium
speeds up the skin’s natural repair systems by directly inhibiting further damage
- Manganese
helps reduce skin inflammation and with collagen formation
- Zeaxanthin
protects the skin from environmental factors including high-energy sources and reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Most antioxidants like flavonoids, flavones, polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and catechins, are found in plant-based foods. The primary role of these antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals on our skin and bodies and boost overall skin health. To understand the benefits of antioxidants, you need to know the extent of damage free radicals can cause, such as oxidative stress. Some numerous reasons and activities could lead to oxidative stress, such as:
- Excessive exercise
- Tissue trauma, due to inflammation and injury
- Mitochondrial activity
- Consumption of certain foods, especially refined and processed foods, trans fats,artificial sweeteners, and certain dyes and additives
- Environmental pollution
- Ischemia and reperfusion damage
- Smoking
- Radiation
- Exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides and drugs, including chemotherapy
The harmful effects of oxidative stress are for all to see as it’s linked to cancer, atherosclerosis, and even vision loss. Certain studies[1] suggest that if neglected, these free radicals can lead to these conditions and other skin issues as well. In that respect, the intake of antioxidants reduces the risks attached to free radicals and other damaging factors. Since the best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables, you can include the following foods in your diet to protect your skin against free radicals and environmental pollutants.
ANTIOXIDANT RICH FOODS
Vitamin A
Dairy produce, eggs, and liver
Vitamin C
Berries, oranges, and bell peppers
Vitamin E
Nuts and seeds, sunflower and other vegetable oils, and green, leafy vegetables
Beta-carotene
Carrots, peas, spinach, and mangoes
Lycopene
Tomatoes and watermelon
Lutein
Green, leafy vegetables, corn, papaya, and oranges
Selenium
Rice, corn, wheat, and other whole grains, as well as nuts, eggs, cheese, and legumes
Antioxidant-rich foods mentioned above help reduce skin damage such as pigmentation, dark spots, skin aging, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and many more caused by free radicals. You can even browse through our article: How Antioxidants-rich food can Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage to understand the benefits of antioxidants in protecting your skin from sun damage. It is essential to know that antioxidants present in foods help your skin get a natural, radiant glow. However, if using topical creams and sprays, you should seek advice from a qualified dermatologist. Every individual’s skin differs, and choosing the right products for your skin is the first essential step in formulating a skincare routine that works best for you. Apart from including antioxidants in your skincare regimen, one of the skincare tips is lifestyle changes for healthy-looking skin. Our fast-paced lives leave us with little to no time for ourselves. However, you need to put in 30 minutes of your day for a workout or some physical activity to improve the blood circulation in your body and ensure beautiful, radiant-looking skin. Maintaining that radiant glow is no easy feat but, if healthy skin is what you’re looking for, you need to make certain adjustments and adopt some healthy habits too to ensure your skin doesn’t feel or look dull.
