Antioxidants in cosmetics – the task and importance in the care of all skin types

Skin aging is an inevitable process, but modern cosmetology provides women with new ways to maintain a young and healthy look. One of them is the use of antioxidants in cosmetics. They neutralize the action of free radicals – one of the most important causes of aging of the skin and the whole body. Read on Joy-pup the importance of antioxidants in skin care.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are chemicals that inhibit oxidation reactions in the body, reduce the formation of free radicals and remove their excess. Free radicals are chemically very active – although their presence in small amounts is desirable, an overabundance and excessive activity cause the so-called oxidative stress. Long-term oxidative stress is the cause of many diseases and also accelerates the aging process of the skin.

Antioxidants include:

• endogenous antioxidants
• exogenous antioxidants.

Our body produces endogenous or internal antioxidants. They occur naturally in cells and include but are not limited to bilirubin, creatinine, melatonin, coenzyme Q10. We don’t have much influence on their levels, unlike exogenous antioxidants. These are compounds soluble in water and fats that enter our body from the outside – mainly with food, but not only. They contain mainly vitamins C, E and A, also known as vitamins of youth.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants suitable for almost all skin types. It does not cause irritation or other side effects. Therefore, it can be included in the daily care of owners of sensitive, rosaceous, problematic, dry and, above all, mature skin.

It inhibits the negative effects of free radicals, which is why it is often found in anti-aging cosmetics. The aging process slows down, mainly due to the stimulation of fibroblasts to produce collagen, the amount of which decreases with age. Thanks to him, the skin becomes smoother, firmer and toned. It is also worth paying attention to the stimulation of the synthesis of ceramides, which are responsible for maintaining the proper level of skin hydration and protecting it from excessive dryness. The appropriate composition of ceramides in the skin also ensures its elasticity and slows down the aging process.

Vitamin C effectively brightens age spots and evens out skin tone by regulating the level of melanin. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and helps in the fight against acne. Vitamin C deficiency is visible to the naked eye – the skin becomes dull and tired. That is why it is so important to ensure its proper level – in a diet rich in vitamin C. These are foods such as citrus fruits, blueberries, kiwi, currants, strawberries, parsley, cabbage, as well as in cosmetics – serums, masks, creams.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a group of chemical organic compounds. Of these, only retinol, the alcohol form of vitamin A, is fully active. Cosmetics with vitamin A are recommended in acne skin care. It also smoothes the skin, makes it firmer and more elastic, so you can use it even at the first signs of aging. Retinol stimulates the production of collagen fibers and reduces age spots.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, called the “elixir of youth”, is an antioxidant belonging to the group of tocopherols, which perfectly slows down the aging process of the skin, moisturizes and protects it. The unique properties of vitamin E are due not only to its ability to inhibit the action of free radicals, but also to its ability to integrate into the lipid structures of the skin.

What are the benefits of using cosmetics with vitamin E? It has moisturizing, soothing and regenerating properties. This is a great way to remove pigmentation and the first wrinkles. After applying cosmetics, the skin will become more elastic and supple. Vitamin E is also found in lip balms and lipsticks, as it is ideal for dry and chapped lips and corners.

Vitamin E is found in oils, nuts, sprouts, and whole grains, but it is worth remembering that it is only partially absorbed from food. That is why it is so important to keep the skin in good condition by nourishing it from the outside.