What Is Oxidation?

Before we can understand antioxidants and what they do, we must first understand a naturally occurring process called oxidation.

Technically speaking, oxidation is defined as the process where one electron is lost when two or more substances interact. During the oxidation process, free radicals are produced.

When it comes to our skin, these free radicals attack and damage healthy cells, such as those contained in our skin and within other living organisms such as plants. The body produces free radicals in the normal course of energy production and we also encounter them in day-to-day life from various sources such as pollution, certain foods and additives, chemicals added to our water and even when light hits some plastics, fabrics or paints.

To make it easier to understand, all of us are familiar with one oxidation process relating to our car. If left for prolonged periods unprotected outside, the exposure to the oxygen in the air causes rust to develop on the car.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are molecules that slow down and minimise the oxidation of other molecules.

In the case of our skin, the end result of damage caused by free radicals is a deterioration and ultimately breakdown of the quality and health of the skin's surface. Instead of skin that is exuberant, plump, soft, and radiant, skin leaving in its place skin that appears dull, has light or dark sunspots, dry and wrinkled.

One of the most potent causes of free radical damage to our skin is from exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. Sun and UV ray exposure amplifies the oxidation process and free radicals accumulate on the surface of the skin, playing havoc with the cells, creating premature ageing, sun-spots, blemishes, wrinkles and overall damaged and dry skin.

Why Are Antioxidants Important In Skincare?

It is believed that antioxidants in skincare are capable of penetrating into the deepest layers of skin tissue. In their ability to minimize the oxidation of molecules in our skin, antioxidants work powerfully to reduce free radicals and enable the living cells of our skin to repair and renew. The end result is skin that looks and feels years younger.

Other benefits of antioxidants in skincare are:

• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by making skin appear plump, soft and renewed
• Improve the tone of the skin by making it appear firmer and more 'alive'
• Reduce inflammation of the skin and helping the skin to look and feel healthy and luminous
• May assist minimize damage to the skin caused by lifestyle stresses such as UV rays of the sun, consumption of toxins such as alcohol, junk food and cigarettes and emotional or physical stress.

Some of The Best Antioxidants in Skincare Today

CoEnzyme Q10
Often referred to as a vitamin-like antioxidant, CoEnzyme Q10 is one of the most powerful antioxidants available in skincare today and protects skin cells from free radical damage. Although CoEnzyme Q10 is found naturally in almost every living cell in the human body, the natural production of it deteriorates significantly as we age. Adding CoEnzyme Q10 to an anti-ageing skincare range provides excellent assistance to mature skin and those concerned with the visible signs of ageing on their skin.

See also - Co Q10 Complex Oil and Cosmeceutical skincare

Rosemary Antioxidant
Extracted from the leaves of the Rosemary plant, Rosemary Antioxidant is high in antioxidant properties and has also been reported to contains some antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also though to be more stable than Vitamin E for skincare products such as face and body creams and those utilizing vegetables oils.

Green Tea Extract (Powder or Liquid)
Green Tea Extract is a rich source of antioxidants and is also high in Vitamins C and E, making it an extremely popular inclusion to natural skincare products. Believed to be highly effective in improving the appearance of skin and restoring it to a more youthful, vibrant and healthy texture, Green Tea Extract is currently taking the cosmetic industry around the world by storm.

Kylie Drury

17 Sep 2010