Antioxidants are big news in the health and beauty world. Found in food and produced by the body, these special compounds help to prevent or delay damage to our cells. This, in turn, promotes healthy skin and works wonders on our overall health.
You can apply them topically or incorporate them into your diet to reap both physical and mental rewards. In a recent article by @ClevelandClinic, Julia Zumpano, RD explains the importance of eating an antioxidant-rich diet. “The foods that you eat affect your entire body — your cells, bones, blood and organs. The higher the antioxidant content, the greater the entire body is protected from disease and suppresses inflammation,” she says.
Combining a good skincare regime with a balanced diet is the best way to up your antioxidant intake for healthy skin, eyes, and body. From anti-aging care to cancer prevention, here are a few of the benefits.
Protects against disease
Research indicates that antioxidants help protect the body against conditions such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease. They do this by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body, UV rays, and pollution.
That’s why eating antioxidant-rich foods can boost your immunity and overall health. Snack on citrus fruits for Vitamin C, brazil nuts to top up on selenium, and sweet potatoes or carrots for carotenoids. Find out more antioxidant superfoods here.
Helps maintain eye health and vision
Experts say that antioxidants guard against age-related eye disease, a leading cause of vision loss in the over 50s. In one study, scientists found that taking antioxidant supplements — a mix of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, and zinc — reduced the risk of developing AMD by 25%.
Supports mental health
With the ongoing pressures of the pandemic, mental health problems are on the rise. But low levels of antioxidants may also be affecting your mood. Experts say that eating antioxidant-rich foods may ease anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Promotes healthy skin
Antioxidants protect the skin by limiting the production of damaging free radicals. This essentially slows skin aging, and provides much needed hydration. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and retinol are a few examples of plant-based antioxidants that skincare experts swear by.
Look out for skincare products containing these ingredients. You’ll notice visible improvements in your skin’s overall appearance, particularly with pigmentation, dull skin, age spots, acne, and fine lines.
Boosting your antioxidant uptake is just one way to get healthy skin. Whatever your aesthetic concern, come and see us at Vale Laser Clinic for free, expert advice. We’re located in St. Athan village in the Vale of Glamorgan, and we pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based treatments in a relaxed and friendly setting. Local girl Emma Griffiths is our founder and clinic director. Drawing on XXX years in the industry and her own experience with teenage acne, she works with care, precision, and sensitivity. Take a look at our services and book your free skin consultation today.
