What are antioxidants? What do they do? Which foods contain antioxidants?

What is an antioxidant?

Our skin is exposed to sunlight, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and even daily stress factors throughout our lives. All these factors lead to the formation of free radicals. Free radicals, in turn, damage cells and create oxidative stress, which leads to problems such as premature aging, wrinkles, spot formation, and inflammation in the skin.

This is precisely where antioxidants play a critical role in the body's and skin's natural defense mechanism. Antioxidants are effective against free radicals. They neutralize these free radicals, preventing cell damage. This is important not only for the skin but also for general health. The protective effects of antioxidants are also mentioned in cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, and certain types of cancer.

What are the benefits of antioxidants for the skin?

The main effects of antioxidants on the skin are:

• Makes the skin more elastic and healthy.

• Reduces the appearance of spots, evens out skin tone.

In which skin diseases do antioxidants provide benefits?

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):

Thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidants can alleviate redness and itching by reducing inflammation symptoms seen in eczema.

Psoriasis:

Balancing free radical levels can reduce plaque formation and scaling.

Rosacea:

Antioxidants such as EGCG, Vitamin C, and niacinamide can help reduce symptoms such as redness and prominent vessel appearance seen in rosacea.

Which foods contain antioxidants?

Antioxidants obtained through diet help reduce free radical damage in all body systems, including the skin.

Blackberries, pomegranates, blueberries: They provide strong antioxidant protection thanks to their anthocyanins and polyphenols.

Green tea: Prevents UV damage with a catechin called EGCG.

Dark chocolate: Increases skin elasticity and circulation with the flavanols it contains.

Tomatoes, watermelon: Effective against photo-aging with lycopene.

Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds: Rich in vitamin E.

Spinach, broccoli, carrots: Sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C.

What are the antioxidants applied to the skin?

Topical forms of antioxidants are applied directly to the skin, providing targeted results:

Vitamin C: Helps reduce the appearance of spots on the skin while supporting collagen production.

EGCG (green tea extract): Reduces inflammation, suppresses redness.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Provides dual-phase protection against free radicals.

Coenzyme Q10: Supports cellular energy metabolism, reduces signs of aging.

Niacinamide: Reduces pore appearance, repairs the skin barrier.

Antioxidant fruits

How should antioxidants be used in a morning routine?

Skin cleansing: Cleanse the skin of dirt with a gentle and pH-balanced cleanser.

Vitamin C serum: Reduce sun-induced oxidative stress.

Serum containing EGCG or ALA: Soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

A light moisturizer: Products containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides can be preferred.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen: Provides synergistic protection against UV when used with antioxidants.

How should antioxidants be used in an evening routine?

Deep cleansing: Get rid of makeup, dirt, and sunscreen residues accumulated throughout the day; if necessary, perform a double cleanse. Click here for more detailed information about double cleansing.

Antioxidant serums: Products containing blueberries, green tea, coenzyme Q10, or vitamin C provide repair overnight.

Intensive moisturizer: Use ingredients that renew the skin barrier, such as ceramide, niacinamide, or shea butter.

Exfoliation (1-2 times a week): Removing dead skin increases the absorption of antioxidants.

What are the symptoms that may be seen in case of antioxidant deficiency?

• Dull, lifeless skin appearance

• Early lines and wrinkles

• Skin sensitivity and redness

• Susceptibility to irritation after sun exposure

• Non-healing spots and inflammations

How should we use antioxidants? Oral antioxidants or topical antioxidants?

Both methods have different advantages. Oral use provides systemic support and is important for immunity and general health. Topical applications, on the other hand, show targeted and faster effects on the skin surface. The ideal is to use both methods together to support the skin both internally and externally.

What are the recommended products containing antioxidants? Collagen recommendations containing antioxidants: COLLAGEN UP

The antioxidants in Collagen Up products, combined with collagen and skin barrier supporting molecules, vitamins, and minerals, not only support your skin barrier but also support your intestines with probiotic and prebiotic content.

Click on the blue headings next to the image to examine the antioxidant, collagen, and probiotic contents of Collagen Up.

What are the recommended products containing antioxidants? Cream recommendations containing antioxidants: Blue Cap

Blue Cap products, with their antioxidant effects, not only relieve symptoms such as itching, bumps, and redness of the skin but also support skin regeneration.

Click on the headings to the right of the product images to examine the unique effects of Blue Cap products.

Give antioxidants a chance in the fight against oxidants, the biggest cause of aging; notice their positive effects on inflammatory diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an antioxidant?

Antioxidants are protective molecules that neutralize free radicals, preventing cell damage and reducing premature aging, spots, and inflammation in the skin.

What benefits do antioxidants provide for the skin?

Increases skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of spots, evens out tone, and alleviates inflammation. It also shows a supportive effect in conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

How should antioxidants be used?

Oral or topical forms can be used together. After morning cleansing, Vitamin C or EGCG serum with sunscreen is recommended, and after deep cleansing in the evening, an antioxidant serum and moisturizer.

This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.