Skin antioxidants found in Vitamins and nutrients

There are several types of anti-oxidants found in vitamins and nutrients , each has its own unique benefits .

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is water soluable and found abundantly in nature . The human body cannot produce vitamin C , therefore it can only be obtained through diets . As well as stimulating collagen production in the dermis , topical and oral applications of vitamin C have also been found to improve the appearance of photoaged skin . Vitamin C is an essential part of the antioxidant brigade to protect against free radical damage from the atmosphere and from ultraviolet light . This is why antioxidants work well when added to sunscreens as they quench free radicals generated by UV exposure . Futhermore vitamin C in particular can also be used after sunburn . Another remarkable attribute for vitamin C is that it also reconditions vitamin E , once its been “used up ” in the body , and allows it to be rejuvenated and become an antioxidant again.

Vitamin A

Although it is not commonly known as an antioxidant vitamin A has strong antioxidant characteristics . Betacarotene is a pre-cursor to vitamin A and as with all carotenoids , beta carotene is an antioxidant unlike other carotenoids , such as lycpene and lutein betacarotene can be converted into vitamin A in the body . As an antioxidant , betacarotene can be converted into vitamin A in the body . As an antioxidant , betacarotene prevents premature skin ageing by reducing oxygen damage caused by UV light , pollution and other external stressors . Betacarotene is an important defence against infra-red rays that produce huge amounts of free radicals .

Key take outs 

Anti-oxidants are crucial for skin health . Skin is under constant attack from free radical damage and the best way to protect it is by both topical and oral applications of antioxidants . Antioxidants work in synergy and at different cellular levels . No single antioxidant is superior that another so its important to combine as many together as possible . Fundamentally , encouraging clients to address their diets and supplement with the right antioxidant rich vitamins and nutrients to support their topical skincare regime will have them on the right path to skin protection and perfection.