Discount Skin Care Products with Antioxidants:
Protecting and Correcting Skin from Damage
“Antioxidants” is the buzz word with skin care today, and with good reason. Years ago it was difficult to find serums and lotions with quality antioxidants. This has changed, and today there are dozens of good antioxidants and you will find them in the best skin care products on the market. Antioxidants have become an important part of daily skin care routine because it has many anti-aging properties to protect and correct the skin from damage.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants find and neutralize free radicals before they can attach themselves to cell membranes, and eventually destroy the cell. They are typically added to cosmetic formulas to prevent oxidation. Free radicals cause damage to the skin that lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sagging.
Wait, so what exactly are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are oxygen atoms that rob electrons from the skin cell membranes creating more free radicals in different forms. They are caused by inflammation such as sun exposure, pollution and smoking causing a domino effect of skin reactions that affect elasticity, firmness, smoothness of the skin because of the decrease in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin. All caused by free radical damage that can be easily prevented with some of the best skin care products on the market.
Antioxidants neutralize free radical damage before they attack cells and provide electrons to radical oxygen atoms. This helps to stop inflammation in the skin. With routine use of topical antioxidants you can help improve visible signs of aging.
Because there are several types of free radicals you should use different types of antioxidants to protect the skin. Antioxidants can also help sooth sensitive skin. Some examples of soothing antioxidants are Green Tea, White Tea and Grape seed Extract found in some of the best skin care products on the market.
What do they do for the skin?
Antioxidants are believed to work by interfering with the inflammation reaction. This is where they reduce the production of destructing enzymes that hurt collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen and elastin help keep the skin smooth and elastic. Antioxidants repair cell damage, and protect from sun damage. Studies have shown regular use of topical antioxidants reduced visible signs of aging. Additional studies have shown that antioxidants show better results when combined with other powerful antioxidants.
What to look for) in best skin care products:
Vitamin C – L-Ascorbic Acid -Vitamin C is a water soluble photo protectant vitamin that is typically found in citrus fruits. It is one of the most effective antioxidants for the skin. Studies have shown topical Vitamin C to prevent sun damage by reducing sunburn cells and decreasing skin redness when exposed to both UVA and UVB rays. L-Ascorbic acid is essential in the skin for helping neutralize free radicals and is needed in production of collagen.
Coenzyme Q-10 - Coenzyme Q-10 is a natural antioxidant that can be found in foods such as fish and meats. As we age CoQ-10 decreases in our tissue. Coenzyme Q-10 maximizes out around 20-30 years of age. CoQ-10 is highly effective in protecting skin cells from DNA damage caused by UV light.
Green Tea - Green Tea is a strong antioxidant that is also considered a polyphenol. It is probably one of the most studied antioxidants. Green Tea has been shown to prevent UV-induced damage, reduce inflammation, soothe skin and reduce redness.
Alpha Lipoic Acid – Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent antioxidant that can be found in healthy bodies in every cell. High potency Lipoic Acid can minimize fine lines and wrinkles and improve the appearance of some types of scars. Studies are still being conducted to prove reduction in wrinkles, skin texture and stimulation in collagen. Many scientists believe many benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid have not been discovered and could possibly be the next big anti-aging ingredient.
Vitamin E -Vitamin E, also called Alpha Tocopherol is considered a powerful antioxidant. It helps to decrease skin roughness, minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Studies suggest that the combination of various antioxidants can increase their potency when compared with one antioxidant alone. Photo protection was shown to be superior and especially with the combination of Vitamin C and E.
Grape Seed Extract - Grape Seed Extract is belongs to the flavinoid family. Flavinoids are believed to function as antioxidants, and re produced by plants to assist in photosynthesis. It is used in soothing, anti-redness and anti-aging products. Topical application of Grape Seed Extract can also enhance sun protection factor.
Discount Skin Care Antioxidant Products
Discount Actifirm Antioxidant Cleanser - Gentle Cleanser for All Skin Types
Gentle yet potent concentrated surfactants quickly cleanse the skin of make-up, sunscreen, oil, and environmental debris while rinsing easily from the skin. Contains protective antioxidants extracted from Pomegranate and Grapefruit to protect the skin from damage and irritation. Contains no harsh stripping agents.Discount Skin Medica Vitamin C Complex - Time Release Topical Vitamin C
Vitamin C Complex is a fragrance-free, concentrated facial skin care formula containing 15 percent stabilized vitamin C in water- and fat-soluble forms to provide extraordinary antioxidant protection.
Directions: Apply A.M. only on clean skinObagi CRX Clarifying Serum - Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum & Lightener
First and only 4% hydroquinone + vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic and vitamin C. Penetrates the dermal layers to reduce melanosome activity while promoting more even skin tone and providing potent antioxidant therapy.
Directions: Apply A.M. only, on cleansed skinSkin Medica Essential Serum - All-In-One Serum: Antioxidant, Peptides, Growth Factors & Hydration
This unparalleled anti-aging serum is the first to combine the renowned growth factor serum, TNS Recovery Complex in one chamber and APS Corrective Complex, a potent mixture of antioxidants, peptides and other innovative anti-aging ingredients, in the other chamber. Together these products work synergistically to transform and regenerate your skin for a more youthful appearance.
Directions: Apply A.M. and P.M. on clean skin
References: http://www.medscape.com