Your skin is your largest organ, so it’s important to take good care of it. If you want smooth, healthy skin, but don’t want to spend hundreds on skin care products to achieve it, then antioxidants are your answer. Our harsh Australian environment means we ought to be more mindful of free-radical damage to our skin. Incorporating antioxidants into your diet and skin care routine helps to limit the production of free radicals, which cause oxidation and can damage your skin cells. Oxidation occurs throughout nature, if you’ve seen a peeled apple turn brown, then you’ve seen oxidation in action.

Antioxidants can do a lot for the overall health and appearance of your skin, including tightening, toning and reducing the signs of ageing. They are the vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can prevent and also repair damage to your body’s tissue.

Benefits of antioxidants include:

Anti-inflammation

The reduction of inflammation promotes an even skin tone and helps to keep acne and wrinkles at bay. Antioxidants such alpha lipoic acid (found in green tea and pine bark) in skin-care products has a calming effect on inflammation by increasing circulation and cell metabolism.

Skin firming

Collagen is responsible for helping the skin maintain its strength and elasticity. It makes skin appear supple and young. Antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals and allow the production of natural collagen to flow in your body.

Reduced appearance of wrinkles

Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of ageing. As collagen and elastic production slow down and gravity takes its toll, this can affect your facial skin and cause it to sag. Free radicals, such as excessive exposure to sun, can accelerate the effects of ageing. Though antioxidants cannot reverse damage, they can slow the appearance of wrinkles.

Scar treatment

Many types of antioxidants can help to reduce the appearance of scar tissue. Scar tissue has a different cell structure to that of healthy skin, making it hard and rigid. Antioxidant-rich scar treatment products are available in several forms including gels and creams.

Similar to adding any supplement to your diet, stay cautious when integrating antioxidants into your daily routine. Though antioxidants are naturally good for you, like many supplements, they can be harmful when taken in excess, so be sure to follow the suggested amounts. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before increasing your intake of any supplement.