What are antioxidants for?

It is not enough to learn the now fashionable word “antioxidants”. It’s also good to understand what these substances are and what they are good for. And it is – and a lot.

Antioxidants: what are they?

Antioxidants are called substances that neutralize the attacks of free radicals – unstable molecules that enter the body from the outside, primarily from polluted air. Harmful free radicals are also formed in the body itself – if, for example, you do not eat right or get carried away with sunbathing.

An unpaired electron makes free radicals too active. They “cling” to other molecules, attaching the missing one and thereby triggering oxidative reactions in the cells.

Of course, the body has its own antioxidant defense system. But over time, it weakens, the cells are damaged, and disorders accumulate in them. Then antioxidants come to the rescue in the composition of food, vitamins, dietary supplements and cosmetics.

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Why do humans need antioxidants?

The role of antioxidants in our lives cannot be overestimated. They help limit the aggression of free radicals and repair the damage they have caused. According to some reports, their effectiveness is 99%.

That’s what antioxidants do.

  • They resist free radicals, interrupting the destructive oxidation process.
  • Strengthen the body’s own antioxidant system.
  • They prevent the decomposition of products by microbes and bacteria, so they can be used as preservatives.
  • Reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
  • Contribute to the restoration of metabolism.

The sun is also a source of free radicals.

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Varieties of antioxidants

Antioxidants can be of natural origin and ingested from food (primarily vegetables and fruits), as well as from plant extracts.

They can also be obtained by chemical synthesis. This is for example:

  • most vitamins;
  • some enzymes (superoxide dismutase).

Chemical origin is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, it allows you to create the most active form of the substance, to achieve maximum concentration.

The most active fighters with free radicals are:

  • vitamins A, C and E, some researchers also include vitamins of group B;
  • unsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and -6;
  • superoxide dismutase;
  • resveratrol;
  • Coenzyme Q10;
  • extracts of green tea, pine bark, ginkgo biloba;
  • milk serum.

The chemical origin is not a disadvantage, but, on the contrary, only enhances the beneficial properties.

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What products contain them

A diet rich in antioxidants is what you need to prolong youth and beauty. Let’s see what products they contain.

Antioxidants in nutrition

Antioxidants

Foodstuffs

Vitamin C

citrus fruits, rose hips, red bell pepper (paprika), spinach, fresh tea leaves

Vitamin A

butter, fish oil, milk, egg yolk, liver of fish and animals, caviar

Provitamin A (beta carotene)

spinach, carrots, beets, pumpkin, apricots, peaches, red peppers, tomatoes

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

cereal seeds, vegetable oils (soybean, corn, cottonseed), egg yolk, vegetables, legumes, wheat germ oil

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

milk, meat, egg yolk, legumes, yeast

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

liver, peanuts, mushrooms, lentils, chicken eggs, peas, onions, cabbage, oatmeal

Vitamin B6

salmon, sardines, sunflower seeds, sweet peppers, bran bread, wheat germ

Omega-3

fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, pink salmon), fish oil, seafood

Omega-6

vegetable oils, nuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds

Coenzyme Q10

beef, herring, chicken, sesame seeds, peanuts, broccoli

Resveratrol

black grape skins, red wine

A diet rich in antioxidants is what you need to prolong youth and beauty.

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Overview of SkinCeuticals

Antioxidants are found in almost all anti-aging skin products. But their presence alone is not enough. According to Elena Lykova, consultant of the SkinCeuticals brand, their effect can be taken into account under such conditions.

  1. They are included in an active and stable working formula.

  2. Present in the product in the right concentration.

  3. Penetrate deep enough into the skin.

  4. Work in it for the required time.

CE Ferulic High Potency Antioxidant Serum for Dry to Normal Skin

The complex of pure L-ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol and ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals. The result is an increase in skin elasticity due to stimulation of collagen synthesis, reduction of wrinkles, lightening of age spots. In addition, the skin recovers faster after laser procedures. Apply 4-5 drops in the morning to cleansed skin.

Phloretin CF Gel Serum

This tool is characterized by maximum penetration depth, suitable for women and men. With signs of aging – wrinkles, age spots – fight L-ascorbic (10%) and ferulic acids, phloretin. Attention men: try to apply on the skin after shaving. Requires 2-3 drops.

Resveratrol BE Antioxidant Night Care

Helps the body’s own antioxidant system to work as in youth. Antioxidants resveratrol, baicalin and alpha-tocopherol successfully fight free radicals, strengthening internal protection. The product is suitable for men’s skin.

Highly effective antioxidant serum for all skin types Serum 10

The formula of pure L-ascorbic and ferulic acids neutralizes free radicals, protects from ultraviolet radiation. As a result, the production of collagen increases, fine and deep wrinkles are smoothed out, age spots turn pale. Helps to restore the skin after cosmetic procedures.

Antioxidant serum for oily and normal skin Phloretin CF

Fights the negative effects of solar radiation and bad ecology, corrects the signs of aging: wrinkles, dull skin, pigmentation. Two strong antioxidants work on the effect – L-ascorbic and ferulic acids. Prolongs the effect of cosmetic procedures. Suitable for men’s skin.

Antioxidant eye gel AOX + Eye Gel

Reduces the signs of aging of the delicate skin around the eyes: swelling, dark circles, crow’s feet. Gives the skin a natural radiance, fresh look. The depth of penetration is facilitated by an unusual texture – serum in the gel. Contains L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, phloretin.

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