Author: Lee Slaneybr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Antioxidants are nutrients that prevent damage to other molecules from oxidation. Normal biological functions of oxidation produce highly reactive substances called free radicals. These are unstable compounds with missing electrons that take electrons away from other molecules. Free radicals are created when the body utilizes oxygen, from sunlight exposure, and from the effects of wind, hot or cold ambient temperatures, cigarettes and other toxins. These destructive free radicals easily react with healthy molecules in your body. Normally, our bodies maintain an appropriate balance of antioxidants and free radicals. Although free radicals are a normal part of the bodys chemistry, excessive amounts contribute to cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Scientists believe that vitamins and minerals containing antioxidants are beneficial to our health because they eliminate free radicals in the body. Although antioxidants are naturally present in our bodies, they also exist in certain foods, supplements and topical preparations. Research demonstrates that the skin is the last part of the body to absorb antioxidants from our foods. It has also been recently discovered that vitamins can be absorbed into the skin. Consequently, certain manufacturers of skin care products have developed creams and lotions that contain antioxidants, which may also be beneficial for the treatment of acne and bacterial infections.
There are three basic antioxidant nutrients are the most helpful for your skin:
Beta carotene (Vitamin A) protects dark green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables from the oxidative effects of sunlight and is thought to have a similar effect on human skin. Beta carotene can greatly improve the condition of your skin and is helpful for minimizing lines and wrinkles.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is a water soluble vitamin present in broccoli, oranges, green peppers, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, strawberries, and kale. Besides protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation damage, Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, making your skin look more supple and smoother.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is typically a fat-soluble antioxidant present in nuts, seeds, whole grains, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, and in the oil of cold water fish livers. Your skin contains substantial amounts of unsaturated fatty acids susceptible to damage from free radicals; consequently, tocopherol provides protection for cell membranes, is helpful for retaining moisture in your skin, and may be effective in minimizing age spots and scars.
Existing abundantly in dairy products and fruit, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are beneficial anti-aging compounds used in certain skin care products. Other foods such as garlic, grapeseed, and pomegranate juice have especially effective forms of antioxidants. Garlic may protect against the harmful effects of lead, mercury, chromium and other heavy metals.
The most commonly known antioxidant is Vitamin E; it is most powerful of the antioxidant vitamins and is responsible for making red blood cells live longer. Vitamin C is a helper vitamin for other antioxidants; it has been demonstrated to fight colds, and Vitamin E applied to wounds and scars can contribute to faster healing. Used daily, Vitamins E and C are associated with beneficial anti-aging results. Vitamins E and C are can be applied directly to your skin or ingested.
A beneficial anti-aging routine should include antioxidants from multiple sources. It is important to include foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants in your diet and to be sure your diet is augmented with antioxidant vitamins. It is just as important to use antioxidant creams and lotions, particularly preparations that include vitamins A, B, C, and E and AHAs. These antioxidants will improve your skins appearance, with the added benefit of being healthy for your entire body.
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pLee Slaney is a licensed esthetician. More information on antioxidant skin care products can be found at a target=_new href=http://www.MangoMadnessSkinCare.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.MangoMadnessSkinCare.com/a and a target=_new href=http://www.mangomadnessskincare.com/Nightly-Exfoliate-Soothing-AHA-Cream-for-Skin-Exfoliation-p-30.html rel=nofollowhttp://www.mangomadnessskincare.com/Nightly-Exfoliate-Soothing-AHA-Cream-for-Skin-Exfoliation-p-30.html/a./pbr
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