Antioxidants for Skin Health

If you’ve basked in the sun on a regular basis or maybe spent a day at the beach without applying sunscreen, then you probably have some damage to your skin. And if you’re like most of us, then you probably wish you could turn back time and do it over again with better protection of your skin. The good news is that there are things you can do now to help increase collagen and elastin production, fix tone and texture, and more. Antioxidants can help you slow the hands of time. Using them consistently might even result in your skin looking even better than before. Wouldn’t that be nice?!

Managing Your Skin With Antioxidants

1. Apply Sunscreen Laced With Antioxidants

It does not matter if you’re going to the beach with family or just taking a stroll at a nearby park, wearing sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But while it has proven its worth, fact of the matter is, UV rays still manage to seep into the skin despite a generous amount of sunscreen.

To make your protection more effective, dermatologists agree that using hybrid sunscreen products that contain antioxidants are the best option. When SPF is coupled with radical fighters, the result is fortified skin protection.

2. Take Vitamin C, E, and B3

Topical application of Vitamin C is one that dermatologists strongly recommend. Vitamin C stimulates collagen and elastin production and is good at lightening dark spots. It restores your skin’s former smooth and youthful appearance as it boosts skin elasticity.

Applying Vitamin C in the morning is ideal as it helps in protecting you from sun damage, allowing you to reduce premature skin aging and fight off chances of hyperpigmentation despite being exposed to the sun’s rays. For full effect, use sunscreen after Vitamin C application.

Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide is yet another potent antioxidant which betters the tone and texture of the skin. When used progressively, you will notice a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles. Given its ability to soothe inflammation, Vitamin B3 calms breakouts and fights redness.

Probably more known to cater to various bodily organs, Vitamin E is also good for skin health. It has the ability to speed up the healing process of the skin making it an essential ingredient in various creams and lotions aimed at treating dry skin. In addition, Vitamin E serves to stabilize antioxidants, thus improving their effectiveness.

3. Use MCT Fractionated Coconut Oil

Made from actual coconut oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil is held with regard by numerous people, professionals and laymen alike, in light of its health advantages. It is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and contains antioxidant properties. According to studies, fractionated coconut oil can increase our skin’s moisture content and helps prevent water loss. Water, as it would be pointed out later, is essential to maintaining youthful skin.

Fractionated Coconut Oil is classified as a carrier oil, allowing it to be absorbed by the skin with greater ease. As such, it aids in soothing dry skin. It is non-greasy but at the same time serves the purpose of topically distributing essential oils effectively.

Fractionated Coconut Oil is the apt solution for problematic skin conditions with its light emollient effect that does not clog pores despite the protective barrier it produces on skin when applied.

With these features, Fractionated Coconut oil meets strong recommendations from massage therapists and the medical community.

Healthy habits contribute to better skin!

Other Factors

Apart from using antioxidants, our skin would also benefit from not allowing ourselves to succumb to bad habits:

1. Smoking is a No-No, Alcohol Too

Smoking accelerates collagen breakdown and works against your blood vessels as it constricts them, limiting oxygen and nutrients to be absorbed by your skin cells. This results into premature skin aging, giving smokers premature wrinkles.

Alcohol, on the other hand, dehydrates skin and dilates blood vessels. This is the culprit of the breaking of blood vessels and numerous skin disorders.

2. Sugary Foods

Excessive sugar intake may serve to worsen pre-existing skin conditions. This is especially significant to people who are susceptible to inflammation.

3. Lack of Water

This is a no-brainer. When you drink the right amount of water daily, you will maintain the elasticity of your skin.

Your Body Is Your Temple

At the end of the day, despite the dominance of environmental factors and the ultimate pull of biology, we are still the stewards of our own bodies. When we pursue bodily health, everything that we do will be dictated by this singular goal. It does not matter in what situation we find ourselves in; we should and will be compelled to choose what is right so that our bodies could get only the best outcome.

 

 

Written by Katie Pierce, a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning.