The Power of Antioxidants

What are Antioxidants?

What does blueberries, kale, dark chocolate, calendula and melanin have in common? They all perform the actions of antioxidants and does wonders for your skin. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize or inhibit oxidation, which is responsible for producing free radicals that can harm the cells within your body. They are mostly found in plants or plant- based foods such as fruits, vegetables and other wholefoods, as well as plants. One plant that is an antioxidant is calendula. We absolutely love calendula. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, astringent and antifungal actions. It helps to alleviate inflammation, infection, bleeding, wounds, bruising, minor burns and scolding or strain to the skin. This antioxidant powerhouse is used as a featured ingredient in many of our skin care products. Vitamins A, C and E are also very effective antioxidants that help to protect the skin from free radicals. You can obtain these vitamins through taking supplements or eating foods such as kale (Vitamin A), strawberries (Vitamin C) and avocadoes (Vitamin E).

Antioxidants and Your Skin

Your body produces both antioxidants and free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that constantly search to bind with other molecules within the body to maintain stability. As they search to bind with other molecules to become stable they can damage DNA, human cells or cause mutations of healthy cells. This can increase the development of diseases such as cancer, heart disease as well as trigger the acceleration of the aging process. As the process of aging speeds up so does the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet and age spots. An increase in free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants within the body. When this occurs inflammatory conditions within the body can trigger skin inflammation issues to flare up such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, etc. Increasing antioxidant levels to balance free radical levels within the body is key for a healthy you and healthy skin. Antioxidants can improve hydration, collagen and elastin production, reduce wrinkles and pigmentation, support healing, reduce inflammation, soften the skin and reduce DNA damage from UV light. Melanin, a complex polymer produced by melanocyte cells that give natural pigmentation to skin, hair and eyes, also has antioxidant actions in that it absorbs harmful UV light and protects your skin cells from damage. Melanin also plays a role in the process of hyperpigmentation, but we will discuss this in an upcoming blog. So, stay tuned.

Increase Your Antioxidant Intake

So, how do you increase your antioxidant levels you ask? Eating antioxidant rich foods such as berries, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, leafy greens, lentils and dark chocolate is a delicious start. In addition to eating antioxidant rich foods, using skin care products infused with antioxidant ingredients such as our collection of herbal soaps is also another way to increase your antioxidant intake. Our products help you to receive the benefits of antioxidants externally. Taking a holistic approach to your skin care and overall health is vital to achieving healthy clear skin as well as an overall healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that what you apply to the skin in addition to what you consume daily into the body both work together to increase your overall health and wellness.