Why are Antioxidants Important for Your Skin?
Antioxidants are a crucial part of a balanced diet, where they provide protection against free radicals and many health benefits. Let’s talk about why they should also be a part of your skincare routine!
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are the antagonists of free radicals and protect our body and skin from the negative effects of oxidative stress. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have lost an electron. In order to stabilize themselves, they then steal electrons from other molecules in proximity, creating more free radicals in the process. This domino effect is called oxidative stress. However, antioxidants are able to interrupt this chain reaction (oxidation). If the oxygen molecule is missing an electron, the antioxidant "voluntarily" donates an electron to render free radicals harmless and protect the cells from oxidative stress. For this reason, they are also known as radical scavengers. Antioxidants are produced by our body, but you can also get them from external sources.
Everything in moderation: Generally, our body can cope with free radicals without support. They can even have positive effects and benefit the human organism. For example, they protect us from pathogens. However, if the imbalance gets out of hand, a large number of antioxidants are needed. Nowadays, free radicals are lurking around every corner.
Triggers of Oxidative Stress
Free radicals can also be caused by external influences:
- UV rays
- Alcohol and smoking
- Exposure of skin to blue light
- Environmental pollution (air pollution/urban pollution)
- Medication
- Unbalanced/unhealthy diet
- Permanent stress
Triggers of Oxidative Stress
Free radicals can also be caused by external influences:
- UV rays
- Alcohol and smoking
- Exposure of skin to blue light
- Environmental pollution (air pollution/urban pollution)
- Medication
- Unbalanced/unhealthy diet
- Permanent stress
How Does Oxidative Stress Affect the Skin?
Antioxidants play an indirect anti-aging role by protecting our skin cells. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, can have a negative effect on the skin's appearance and even promote skin aging:
- Fine lines and wrinkles become visible
- Dull skin tone
- Elasticity is lost
Where to Get Antioxidants?
The most important antioxidants include: Vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin C), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper, manganese) and phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids). Here are a few tips on how you can support your body and your skin with plenty of antioxidants.
Antioxidant foods
A healthy diet rich in plant-based foods (fresh fruit and plently of vegetables) is the best antioxidant supplier for a strong immune system and healthy skin. Broccoli, kale and raw cocoa, for example, are excellent sources of B vitamins. You can get an extra portion of vitamin C with red peppers, acerola cherries and blueberries. You can find vitamin E and zinc in many nuts, such as Brazil nuts and walnuts. Algae also have antioxidant properties. If you don't want to eat them in your daily diet, you can also take antioxidant supplements. Sources of important phytochemicals include whole grains, plant seeds and pulses. Did you know that dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants?
Antioxidant products for beautiful skin
The bottom line is that an excess of free radicals can even accelerate natural skin aging, which is why it makes sense to opt for antioxidant-rich skincare products. This applies to both pre-aging and anti-aging products. Our OCEAN ELEMENTS collection provides blue light protection, which helps to prevent oxidative stress. It also strengthens the skin and slows signs of aging. The ALGAE SKINFOOD Ampoules make full use of their antioxidant capacity. The #stressless Ampoule, for example, contains a nourishing oil mix that includes sunflower oil. Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide can be found in our BRIGHT PERFECTION collection and in our Niacinamide Serum. Coenzyme Q10 is one of the best known antioxidants. It has not only antioxidant properites, but also a vitalizing effect that increases cell activity and provides a radiant complexion. Our anti-aging Q10 collection is packed with this powerful active. You can also incorporate our Vitamin C Serum as an add-on to your usual skincare routine. It has an antioxidant effect and prevents free radical damage, promotes collagen production and gives the skin an intense glow. In combination with ferulic acid and plankton, the 15% vitamin C improves elasticity and slows skin aging.
Antioxidant foods
A healthy diet rich in plant-based foods (fresh fruit and plently of vegetables) is the best antioxidant supplier for a strong immune system and healthy skin. Broccoli, kale and raw cocoa, for example, are excellent sources of B vitamins. You can get an extra portion of vitamin C with red peppers, acerola cherries and blueberries. You can find vitamin E and zinc in many nuts, such as Brazil nuts and walnuts. Algae also have antioxidant properties. If you don't want to eat them in your daily diet, you can also take antioxidant supplements. Sources of important phytochemicals include whole grains, plant seeds and pulses. Did you know that dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants?
Antioxidant products for beautiful skin
The bottom line is that an excess of free radicals can even accelerate natural skin aging, which is why it makes sense to opt for antioxidant-rich skincare products. This applies to both pre-aging and anti-aging products. Our OCEAN ELEMENTS collection provides blue light protection, which helps to prevent oxidative stress. It also strengthens the skin and slows signs of aging. The ALGAE SKINFOOD Ampoules make full use of their antioxidant capacity. The #stressless Ampoule, for example, contains a nourishing oil mix that includes sunflower oil. Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide can be found in our BRIGHT PERFECTION collection and in our Niacinamide Serum. Coenzyme Q10 is one of the best known antioxidants. It has not only antioxidant properites, but also a vitalizing effect that increases cell activity and provides a radiant complexion. Our anti-aging Q10 collection is packed with this powerful active. You can also incorporate our Vitamin C Serum as an add-on to your usual skincare routine. It has an antioxidant effect and prevents free radical damage, promotes collagen production and gives the skin an intense glow. In combination with ferulic acid and plankton, the 15% vitamin C improves elasticity and slows skin aging.
Did you know?
Our Celumer Marine Extract has been proven to protect your skin from oxidative stress. You can find it in most of our anti-aging products. 17% increase of UV protection due to strengthened cells. Counters oxidative stress and premature skin aging..