Everything You Need to Know About Antioxidants and Your Skin

Antioxidants are powerful substances that help fight free radicals which cause inflammation and disease in the body.
Free radicals can be a by-product of your body as it breaks down the foods you eat and also when your body is exposed to harmful irritants, such as cigarette smoke, pollution or radiation. 
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A or beta-carotene can be applied to the skin in order to reduce free radical damage. Additionally, the ageing process can be slowed down and minimised when you use skincare products that contain antioxidants.
Antioxidants are powerful substances that help fight free radicals which cause inflammation and disease in the body.

You've probably heard about the wonders and necessity of antioxidants from everyone from your doctor to the guy at the juice bar down the street. And seeing the word "antioxidant" on a product label is not uncommon. It's also not incredibly helpful because there are dozens of different antioxidants with a wide range of benefits. So which ones are best for your skin? How do the antioxidants in citrus fruits translate to a clear complexion? And what exactly are antioxidants?
In the simplest terms, antioxidants are anti-inflammatory agents.  As an anti-inflammatory, antioxidants assist the body in healing and provide protection from future damage. And that's damage in the broadest sense, meaning there's an antioxidant to address every skin concern. Look for serums with antioxidants because they contain ingredients in a pure form and are more concentrated than lotions and creams. Remember that antioxidants can't do it all on their own. Support them by wearing SPF all the time and a hat when in direct sun. Try to limit the amount of free radical formation (that leads to inflammation and collagen degeneration) by avoiding excessive sun exposure. "I like a vitamin C and Ferulic combination, such as Skinceutical CE Ferulic as I think it's one of the most stable, even in the summer elements”. 

Together the combination works by speeding up the skin's natural repair system and blocking future damage.  Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables or can be taken as supplements. And are of course used in topical skincare products for the benefit of your complexion.

According to the Mayo Clinic the following foods are good for you;

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Berries: Colourful berries, particularly blueberries and strawberries, appear to have heart-healthy effects. Research suggests they may lower blood pressure and positively influence blood vessel health.

Curcumin: Curcumin is found in the spice turmeric, the main spice used to prepare curry. Curcumin is thought to have antioxidant properties, as it may decrease swelling and inflammation. Preliminary research suggests that curcumin may prevent cancer and possibly slow the spread of cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables: This family includes broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, kale and turnips. Research suggests these foods have a protective effect in preventing prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

Corn: Corn often gets a bad rap as a starchy vegetable. But yellow corn, and even cornmeal, contains substances known for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities.