Antioxidation - why it is so important

Antioxidation is a process that plays a key role in maintaining the health of the skin and the entire body. It aims to neutralize the harmful effects of so-called free radicals - reactive molecules that are produced in our body every day. They are essential for many biological processes, at the same time - if there are too many of them - they can be dangerous to the cardiovascular system, among other things. Importantly, they also significantly accelerate the aging process. So, antioxidation is a must for healthy and young-looking skin.

Antioxidants - guardians of our castle

To better understand the action of free radicals, let's imagine that our body is a castle made of bricks. The bricks are our cells, which are responsible for various vital functions. Free radicals are the stones thrown at this castle, which can damage the bricks and cause the whole castle to start falling apart. Antioxidants act as guardians who stand guard over the castle and remove the stones before they can do any damage. Thanks to them, the castle (our body) remains in good condition, and the aging process and cell damage are delayed.

Where free radicals come from

Free radicals are formed in organisms as a result of various chemical reactions, both natural and influenced by external factors. Among the most important sources of their formation are:

• Environmental pollution -chemicals present in the air, dust, exhaust fumes, smog, tobacco smoke and other toxins can lead to an increase in free radicals;
• UV radiation - prolonged exposure to the sun, especially UV radiation, causes molecules in the skin, including water and fats, to break down, generating free radicals;
• Stress - excessive stress, both physical and mental, also promotes the formation of these reactive molecules;
• Unhealthy diet - excess trans fats, sugars, and food contaminants;
• Intense exercise - prolonged exercise without adequate rest can cause an increase in free radicals.

The phenomenon of oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a condition in which free radicals in the body occur in excess and begin to cause damage in cells. This happens when there are not enough antioxidants to neutralize these reactive molecules. As a result:

• Damage to proteins can lead to loss of function of enzymes and other important proteins.
• Damage to lipids in cell membranes can cause loss of integrity, which in turn can lead to cell death.
• DNA damage can lead to mutations and, in the long term, cancer.

As a result of oxidative stress, skin can begin to age prematurely, with wrinkles, discoloration, loss of firmness and elasticity appearing.

When free radicals “pair up” with other molecules, such as collagen or other skin components, an oxidative reaction occurs, which can cause damage to these molecules.

Effects of long-term free radical damage:

• Acceleration of aging - Bonds in collagen become weaker, the skin loses its elasticity, and regenerative processes slow down.
• Wrinkle formation - Free radicals contribute to changes in collagen structure, leading to stiffer collagen fibers and deeper wrinkles.
• Increasing the risk of inflammation - Free radicals can also cause inflammation, which weakens skin function, leading to problems such as acne, eczema and other skin diseases.

We have no way to cut off free radicals. But we can neutralize them quite simply, so that they remain in the body only in the necessary amount.  This is what antioxidation and antioxidants, which play a key role in protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals, do. They stabilize them and prevent their reactivity. As a result, they help prevent damage to cells and tissues, and support repair processes in the body.

Where do we find antioxidants? 

We have a lot of natural antioxidants in the environment. They are found, for example, in many foods:

• fruits: chokeberries, currants, blueberries, blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, pomegranate, peaches, apples, citrus plums;
• vegetables: brassica greens, garlic, asparagus, radishes, kale, red cabbage, spinach, peppers, parsley, legumes, tomatoes, carrots, quinoa (eat some vegetables raw, others cooked);
• walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pulses;
• spices: curry, turmeric, cinnamon, thyme, marjoram, oregano.

Antioxidant substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, green tea and coenzyme Q10 are also used in cosmetics. Regular use of cosmetics with antioxidants helps protect the skin from free radicals and prevents skin aging.

Benefits of using antioxidants in skin care

1. Protection against aging. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that accelerate the aging process, reducing wrinkles, discoloration and loss of skin firmness.
2. Improve skin tone. Thanks to antioxidant properties, the skin becomes more radiant and healthy, and regains an even skin tone.
3. Protection against free radicals, Thanks to antioxidation, the amount of free radicals in the body remains at the right level - needed for proper functioning. 

Antioxidant ingredients in cosmetics - what to look for in the composition

• Vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, promotes collagen production and brightens the complexion.
• Vitamin E. Known as the “vitamin of youth,” which protects skin cells from oxidative damage and slows down the aging process.
• Ferulic acid. A natural antioxidant used in cosmetics that supports the action of other active ingredients (such as vitamins C and E).
• Coenzyme Q10. Supports energy production in cells, improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
• Resveratrol. A powerful antioxidant derived from grapes and berries that protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents wrinkles.
• Green tea. Contains catechins, which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps protect the skin from UV rays and pollution.

What to follow when choosing antioxidant products

1. Skin type - for sensitive skin, it is worth choosing cosmetics with mild antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E, Centella Asiatica) that will not irritate the skin.

2. Texture of the cosmetic - choose a formula adapted to your skin. For dry skin, serums and oils will be ideal, and for oily skin - gels with antioxidants.

3. SPF and antioxidants - products with sunscreen combined with antioxidants provide an excellent barrier against harmful UV rays. Don't leave the house year-round without sunscreen.

4. Regularity of use - remember that the effectiveness of antioxidants depends on their regular use.

Summary - how important is antioxidation?

Antioxidation is a key process that helps protect the body and skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. Thanks to antioxidants, which neutralize these harmful molecules, it is possible to delay skin aging and prevent health problems. So it is worth including antioxidant products in your daily skin care routine, choosing the right ingredients and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Antioxidation is not only about skin care, but also about overall health. Diet, supplementation and a healthy lifestyle are key to maintaining oxidative balance in the body. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and avoidance of risk factors (such as smoking and excessive sun exposure) can help protect against oxidative stress and related health problems.