If you haven’t already invested in a good anti-oxidant, it's not too late, and they are great for all skin types and ages.
Anti-oxidants reduce free radical damage. But what are free radicals I hear you ask?
They are molecules that damage the DNA of our skin, causing premature ageing.
And how do they get there? A certain number of them are produced by normal metabolism, but the external free radicals present on our skin come from…wait for it, the three usual suspects…
smoking
UV damage
exposure to pollution
Obviously by avoiding exposure to these factors, it will greatly reduce signs of premature ageing. This is evident in the image below of identical twins:
*credit image to Jordan F Farkas, Researchgate.net.
As you can see, there is an astounding difference in the severity of signs of ageing between the two sisters. Twin B spent on average 10 hours per week more in the Sun than her Sister, Twin A. Twin B has more wrinkles, sagging skin, thinner lips and widespread hyperpigmentation.
Adding a good quality antioxidant to your routine can prevent or slow any damage to cells. , and even start to undo some of that damage in the following ways:
reduce hyperpigmentation or ‘age spots’, darkened areas of the skin caused by over exposure to the sun or from hormonal changes
increase the amount of collagen in our skin resulting in tighter, less wrinkly skin
both of the above lead to brighter, tighter, smoother skin.
There are lots of different types of antioxidants and not all are equal. Look for a medical grade product containing high levels of the ingredient to ensure the product is as effective as possible.
Vitamin C is a very common and effective anti-oxidant. We advise looking for a strength of 15% in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid. This is the most bio-available form, meaning less is wasted as it converts to a useable form and is absorbed in the skin.
Ideally, you should start using an antioxidant in your twenties as a preventative measure, it will save you money on trying to repair damage in the future. We also recommend wearing a good quality mineral SPF of 30 or above, 365 days a year and to avoid tanning to protect your skin further.
We hope that you've found this guide helpful. If you would like help with your skin concerns, please contact our clinic for an in-depth skin consultation.
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