The benefits of antioxidants for anti aging are well known. However, we are often asked what are the best antioxidants for facial skin care. Here is our list of the top 7 must-have antioxidants for the skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide's reputation in anti aging skin care treatment continues to soar. Not only a potent antioxidant, Niacinamide is a precursor of NADH and NADPH (co-enzymes that play a key role in cellular energy production and synthesis of lipids). With age, NADH / NADPH levels decrease and Niacinamide may reverse that decline. Niacinamide has also been shown to improve skin's elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function by increasing ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, combat hyperpigmentation, and revive skin's healthy tone and texture by stimulating microcirculation in the dermis.
Vitamin C
The virtues of Vitamin C cannot be extolled enough. There are many forms of Vitamin C including magnesium ascorbyl phophate (stable, non-irritating), tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and L-ascorbic acid (least stable). Some who do not respond to one form of Vitamin C may respond to other forms. In concentrations of 2-10% and more, Vitamin C is clinically proven to increase dermal collagen production (which is significant for wrinkle reduction) and reduce the appearance of skin discolorations.
Green Tea EGCG
Green tea extract contains polyphenols, biologically active and very effective antioxidants and antimutagens (protects DNA from structural damage caused by pollutants and toxins). The polyphenols found in green tea belong to the subtype called catechins and the main catechins in found green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG can prevent collagen breakdown by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and reduce UV damage to skin. Green tea is one ingredient you do not want to be without.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E's most crucial functions are protecting the top layers of the skin from early stages of sun damage and protecting fatty components of cells, such as cell membranes. Maintaining healthy skin cell structure allows the skin to better defend itself against signs of aging.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Very popular among consumers, CoQ10's main role is to helps cells produce more ATP. Improving cell energy production may help improve skin wrinkles, texture, and elasticity. Because CoQ10 levels diminish with age, it is important to replenish the skin's supply with topical application of CoQ10.
Lycopene
Possibly the best free radical scavenger among carotens, Lycopene has the additional benefit of improving cell communication. Improving cell communication leads to healthier and younger behaving cells which leads to younger looking skin. Being fat soluble, lycopene is particularly effective in the tissues with high lipid content. The skin is rich in lipids. Another interesting property of lycopene is its ability to block UV light. Lycopene has SPF of about 3, which is insufficient to protect from direct sun or any other harsh UV exposure but may be enough to reduce the effects of indirect sunlight or the sunlight that has passed through window glass. Any ingredients that can help with protection from the sun is worthy of being in this list.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA makes this list for its special property of being both water and oil soluble. This is important because it allows ALA to protect both watery and oily parts of skin cells. ALA also inhibits cross-linking which damages cells and contributes to skin wrinkles. But there's more, ALA also helps cell produce more ATP, energy cells need to maintain healthy functionality. All this makes ALA one formidable ally in the fight against aging.
by S. Bancroft