Doctors, beauty experts, journalists etc. all rave about the benefits of antioxidants, but what are they and why do we need them?
An antioxidant is simply a compound that neutralizes /inhibits the effect of a free radical - a highly unstable and reactive atom or molecule that can cause oxidative damage to other molecules or tissues, including skin, if left to its own devices. Picture a slice of apple left out in the air for two minutes – it goes brown, right? That’s oxidative damage. But, if you poor some lemon juice over it, it won’t brown because the lemon juice contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant.
Not all free radicals are bad, per se. Oxygen is very unstable but we would die in minutes without it, and we produce free radicals all the time as a by-product of digesting food. It is only when the body produces or ingests excess free radicals than it has antioxidants to quench them that it runs into trouble. And since free radical exposure is responsible for 80% of skin aging, we probably all want to up the ante against them, right?!
In terms of our skin, high concentrations of antioxidants can prevent and even reverse the oxidative damage that causes:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sagging
- Dull/withered complexion
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin sensitivity/allergies
- Broken thread veins
- Scar tissue
There are literally thousands of antioxidants in nature, so we have simplified the list and are only including those antioxidants which have been scientifically proven to provide the most free radical ‘mopping’ activity.
Antioxidants produced by the body
- Glutathione: A tripeptide (protein building block), considered the most powerful of all antioxidants; it detoxifies the body, strengthens the immune system, increases energy levels, improves athletic performance and recovery, and protects against degenerative diseases. There are no natural sources of glutathione but some foods, such as broccoli, raw eggs (only eat the yolks raw), spinach, asparagus, cabbage, avocado and garlic boost the body’s own glutathione production.
- Co-enzyme Q10: A fat-soluble vital compound mainly present in the mitochondria, which stimulates energy production. It protects the cardiovascular system, increases circulation and fights gum disease. Meats (especially organ meats), oranges, apples, berries, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, seeds and avocado contain good concentrations of co-enzyme Q10.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid: Only produced in tiny amounts by the body, it has an energizing, regenerating and hypoglycemic effect. Protects the body against glycation (damage to skin cells caused by SUGARS) and eye ailments. Found in foods like broccoli, spinach, meats, organ meats and yeast.
- Superoxide Dismutase: an enzyme present in all living cells whose main function is to break down the superoxide free radical into hydrogen peroxide and then into water. It reduces damage induced by oxidative stress, has an anti-inflammatory action, stimulates immune response and has a powerful anti-aging effect. All melons, corn, wheat and soy provide high levels of superoxide dismutase (best to stick to melons though, cos the others may have side effects which outweigh the benefits!).
Food sources of antioxidants
1. Polyphenols: Also known as ‘Vitamin P’, they are one of the most powerful botanical antioxidants anti-inflammatory known today. They offer unrivaled action against and can boost your skin’s antioxidant protection from the inside out. According to a study, drinking two or more cups of polyphenol- rich drinks, such as black or green tea reduces the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 30%. There are many types of polyphenols, including:
- Flavonols: of which there are – Quercetin (in apples, green/white teas), Rutin (citrus), Proanthocyanidins of condensed tannins (grapes, cacao, green/white teas, berries).
- Flavanols: Catechins (cacao, green tea).
- Isoflavonoids: soy, chick peas, peanuts, green beans, mung beans, alfalfa.
- Anthocyanins: berries, grapes, cabbage, soybean.
- Stilbenoids: of which there are – Resveratrol(red grapes) and Pterostilbene (grapes, cranberries, blueberries).
- Ellagic Acid: (strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, pomegranates and nuts). Ellagic acid effectively targets fine lines, wrinkles and lack of elasticity. It is claimed to be have powerful anti-tumor and anti-mutagen properties; so much so that some doctors even use it as a complementary cancer (especially skin cancer) treatment.
2. Carotenoids: fat-soluble pigments widely found in fruits an vegetables which impart yellow, orange or red hues. They help prevent cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, cataracts and macular degeneration, and help reduce the negative effects of UVB radiation; they also protect cell membranes, support the immune system and stimulate tissue regeneration. They are classified into Carotenes and Xanthophylls:
- Carotenes (deoxygenated carotenoid compounds): α-carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, leafy greens); β-carotene (root vegetables, mangoes, papaya, apricots, cantaloupe, leafy greens); lycopene: the most potent of all carotenes, twice as effective as beta carotene (tomato, watermelon).
- Xanthophylls (oxygenated carotenoid compounds): lutein (green leafy vegetables, egg yolk); zeaxanthin (bell peppers, leafy green vegetables); astaxanthin: arguably the most powerful antioxidant ever studied (chlorella, Spirulina); 550 times more powerful than Vitamin E.
3. Vitamin C: Prevents premature aging/skin cancer, restores elasticity of capillary walls and can complement acne treatment. The best natural sources of Vitamin C are red peppers (chilli and sweet), kale, guava, acerola cherry, rose hip, berries, kiwi, papaya and all citrus fruits.
4. Tocotrienols: A group of compounds that belong to the Vitamin E family. They are 30-60 times more powerful than tocopherols, meaning they neutralize free radical activity at a faster rate. Tocotrienols are capable of reducing/absorbing penetration of UV radiation and have regenerative and emollient properties. Barley, rye, oats, annatto oil, rice bran oil, egg yolk and palm oil are natural, rich sources of tocotrienols.
5. Sulphoraphane: a compound found in cruciferous vegetable sprouts, especially broccoli. Sulphoraphane has potent anti-cancer effects and a research showed that it helps body cells to protect themselves against the ravages of UV radiation.
6. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: reduce inflammation, protect the skin from sunburn, melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer) and keep the skin surface moisturized. Salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, algae/seaweed, green leafy vegetables, flax, hemp and chia seeds are rich sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Sophyto’s antioxidant-rich formulas
*Anti-Aging Antioxidant Serum: an ultra-light serum that supplements the skin’s natural protective barrier and fights the signs of premature aging. Formulated with polyphenol extracts derived from apples, grapes, olive leaf, green and white tea.
*Omega Daily Moisturizer: a super-hydrating, lightweight formula which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin’s elasticity. Optimum levels of nourishing vegetable-derived Omega 3 fatty acids fatty acids protect the skin and maintain a supple, smoother-looking complexion.
*Marine Peptide Brightening Treatment: A refreshing mask formulated with detoxifying Chlorella (green micro-algae) to help brighten the appearance of dull/UV-damaged complexions and support the skin’s own regenerative power, leaving it more radiant and youthful looking.
Ishtar Magally Mobarak
