3 Reasons Why Your Skin Needs Antioxidants

You’re Not Getting Enough Antioxidants in Your Diet

Let’s face it, very few of us consume the perfect diet. According to the CDC only 10% of us are meeting the daily recommended guidelines for the raw fruits and veggies that our bodies need for optimum health.

And those plant-based foods we do consume are not as nutritious as they used to be either. Studies show that due to soil depletion and heavy pesticide our food contains much lower levels of vitamins and minerals. For example, many fresh vegetables tested by the Organic Consumer Association were found to have 30% less vitamin C now than 50 years ago.

For this reason, using a topical antioxidant cream or serum is very important. It’s the best prevention strategy (starting in your 20’s and up) from developing premature wrinkles and skin laxity when you’re older. Topical antioxidants work by interfering with the chemical reactions that produce damaging free radicals, rendering them inert and harmless.

Only Antioxidants Can Combat Infrared Damage

In addition to Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun we’re bombarded daily by Infrared (IR) radiation. IR has a longer wavelength and lower frequency than UV but it can be just as damaging.

According to a study published in the World Journal of Dermatology (WJD) both UV and visible light radiation can be somewhat mitigated by the melanin in your skin. Infrared (IR), however, can penetrate much deeper into human tissue where it can cause “photochemical changes” to DNA and skin cells.

Here’s the kicker: sunscreen only protects you from UVA/UVB but not from Infrared radiation. The reason is UV only accounts for only 6.8% of solar light and Infrared makes up a whopping 54% plus it penetrates much deeper. The only safeguard against this type of radiation is by using a topical antioxidant in the morning and at night to counteract the effects of the free radicals that IR generates. Increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich foods can offer additional projection.

Antioxidants Have Other Benefits: They Brighten and Moisturize Skin

Certain antioxidants such as vitamin C have a skin-brightening effect and are beneficial for treating and preventing hyperpigmentation and even acne scarring. Other substances with powerful antioxidant properties, such as green tea and beta glucans, have a soothing and calming effect on the skin.

Other more sophisticated “lab-made” antioxidants such as the active ingredient called BeCell in La Peau skincare has been scientifically proven to prevent oxidative stress and DNA damage. BeCell molecules have “impressive moisturizing and anti-aging qualities.” Furthermore, many antioxidants work synergistically with other ingredients in skincare formulations to enhance their skin-enhancing properties.

Dr. Nino Kuzmar is a Toronto general practitioner practicing non-surgical cosmetic rejuvenation and enhancement procedures for the face and neck. His extensive clinical experience, training and expertise in the area of cosmetic injectables, laser and energy based technologies spans 12 years. BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION