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You may have heard the hype about antioxidants, but what are they? Antioxidants are substances that defend our skin (and our bodies!) against damage from molecules called free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally within the body but also develop from exposure to UV radiation, as well as from other environmental stressors. “Damage from free radicals contributes to the aging of the skin and plays a role in the development of skin cancer,” shares Dr. Melanie Pickett, a board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
So where do we get these antioxidants? Antioxidants can be obtained through our diet and are found plentifully in fruits and vegetables, making a healthy, balanced diet a must for healthy, glowing skin. “Antioxidants can also be applied topically to the skin to help protect from free radical damage and correct its effects on the skin,” Dr. Pickett emphasizes. Read on for more information about the benefits of these superpowered molecules!
1. Prevents Skin Aging
Are you noticing early signs of fine lines and wrinkles? Topical antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and resveratrol help to neutralize free radicals in the skin, preventing damage to the skin’s collagen. Adding an antioxidant to your skincare routine is an effective way to help prevent signs of aging, and a great addition to your daily sunscreen. There are many formulations of antioxidants on the market, and your dermatologist is a great resource to help you determine which antioxidant is best for your skin.
2. Brighten Skin Tone
Vitamin C, an antioxidant found in many topical skincare products, helps to prevent melanin production in the skin by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase. By decreasing melanin production, this antioxidant can actually help to lessen discoloration or dark spots on the skin.
3. Protects from DNA Damage in the Skin
Free radicals from UV exposure can damage the DNA within skin cells, which is implicated in the development of skin cancer. “Topical antioxidants help to reduce and prevent this type of damage to the skin, potentially playing a role in protecting the skin against the development of cancer,” notes Dr. Pickett. In addition to daily sunscreen use and regular skin examinations, antioxidants can be an important part of protecting your skin and keeping it as healthy as possible.
Stress is also one of the primary factors that cause skin damage, and if proper stress reduction techniques (from Long Island rehab) are not undertaken, it can cause serious skin damage.
Interested in learning more about antioxidants? Contact your Sanova dermatologist today to learn more about these skin-enhancing products and to find the antioxidant that works best for you!