Antioxidants, Vitamin C & E- What do they do?
For many, a youthful skin becomes our ultimate skincare goal, we have all read beauty articles or followed bloggers and wondered what a lot of the beauty jargon actually means? What do we really need to do to slow down the ageing process? There is lots of terminology used in the marketing of products but do we really know what they mean and how these anti oxidants and vitamins affect the body? To help you better understand how antioxidants, free radicals, Vitamins C and E work alongside each other or not as the case may be, I’ve put together a little bit about each:
An antioxidant is a molecule that counteracts the damage caused by free radicals. (more about free radicals later)
Antioxidants are the nutrients that we obtain from vitamins and minerals along with the proteins in our bodies that aid with chemical reactions. They are powerful natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, and wait for it, the best news, wine and chocolate. Happy days, who wants to increase their antioxidant intake?
Some reports suggest that antioxidants may prevent some chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke alzheimers, rheumatoid arthritis and cataracts.
What are free radicals?
They are an uncharged molecule with an unpaired electron that steal electrons from other cells to gain stability. That cell in turn becomes an unpaired electron, a free radical, and so the chain reaction begins. Better known in the beauty world as scavengers that cause damage to cells, proteins and DNA. They are associated with ageing which has been defined as a gradual accumulation of free radical damage.They may be the result of diet, stress, smoking, alcohol, exercise, inflammation, drugs or exposure to sunlight and air pollutants.
Vitamin C & E protect the body therefore it is recommended to aim to eat 5 to 8 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and an antioxidant. The body does not store this vitamin, which results in excessive Vitamin C being excreted. The RDA is 75-90mg and this equates to one serving of fruit or vegetables per day.
Citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, red and green peppers, chili peppers, dark leafy greens and broccoli are the best sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin C can aid with reducing inflammation in the body, eliminating the threat of free radicals.
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and an antioxidant that helps the body neuturise the harmful after effects of oxidation of fats. There is active research at the moment looking into how important vitamin E is at stopping free radical production.
Vitamin E plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases, the ageing process and maintening a healthy Immune System.
Top foods containing Vitamin E
Nuts: Almonds, Hazelnuts and Pine nuts.
Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds.
Avocado, Broccoli, Olives, Paypaya,
Leafy Greens: Swiss Chard, Spinach and Kale.
Its important to treat the body from the inside and also from the outside. Antioxidant creams and lotions for the skin containing Vitamins C & E help to reinforce the skin’s natural protection against free radicals caused by UV rays and pollution. Clinically proven, skin products help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, laxity and hyperpigmentation.
Here at Beauty Haven we have the Environ range which is bursting with antioxidants, I have set out below our top 3 selling products.
- Antioxidant & Peptide Eye Gel contains vitamin C & E and is our favorite product. This is an anti-ageing eye gel containing antioxidants Vitamin C & E which protect against environmental attack. The peptides stimulate collagen and elastin relaxing the facial muscles to improve fine lines and wrinkles and plump the skin. £32
- Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser is packed with Vitamin A to normalise and repair skin cells. Protects from environmental and UV damage. Combats the visible signs of ageing, stimulates collagen and elastin to help improve fine lines and wrinkles £42
- Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules, these feel wonderful on the skin, a total pamper. I use one capsule at night a couple of times a week and my skin is silky smooth the next morning. They hydrate and energise by enriching the natural surface oils on the skin, improves metobolism and cell growth within the skin. £45 for 30 capsules
This is a small sample of our Environ range, should you wish to discuss further or have any questions about your skin please contact us at Beauty Haven.