Medically CitedVery few people are aware of the surest means towards youthful and radiant skin. The most crucial basics when it comes to skincare include eating a healthy diet, protecting against harmful rays of the sun, engaging in regular exercise, and quit smoking.
Essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, are crucial if your goal is healthy, glowing skin. You can incorporate them into your diet or apply them directly to your skin. Here are some of the most effective ingredients for radiant skin:
1. Vitamins C and E and Selenium
Several studies have found that vitamin C and vitamin E, plus selenium, can prevent skin damage from sun exposure, including cancer. In addition, these ingredients can reverse several skin conditions, such as discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.
According to Dr. Cory Bovenzi, Facial Plastic Surgeon, the top antioxidants shown to be helpful for skin health are Vitamin C and E. These products work to decrease the amount of free radicals that your skin cells produce that can cause DNA breakage and signs of aging. Capturing these free radicals with these antioxidants diverts them away from your skin cells where they would have otherwise caused damage over time, leading to dry, wrinkled, and discolored skin.
2. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 refers to a natural antioxidant that promotes the growth of cells while protecting them against carcinogens. The level of coenzyme Q10 declines as we grow older, contributing to the aging of the skin.
It supports the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic. CoQ10 can also prevent the breakdown of these proteins by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that degrade them. This can help maintain the skin’s structure and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In reference to a study published in the journal Biofactors, topical application of coenzyme Q10 diminished wrinkle formation. Nearly all the studies conducted up to date used a 0.3% concentration of coenzyme Q10. [1]
3. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid an Antioxidant – Shutterstock Image
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant which has been shown to be effective in protecting the skin against sun damage. It is topically applied directly on the skin. It helps the skin produce more energy, which is needed for various functions, such as cell growth, repair, and renewal. ALA can also improve the efficiency of the mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the cells. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help soothe and calm the skin.[2]
4. Retinoic Acid
Retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, is a major ingredient in several anti-aging skincare treatments. When applied topically, retinoic acid helps alleviate skin conditions like age spots, wrinkles, and dryness of skin caused by exposure to sunlight.
Researchers in a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science realized that topical application of retinoic acid improves the production of collagen and elastin, making the skin tight while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Flavonoids
Flavonoids are extracts made from green tea and chocolate that are helpful in improving the health and appearance of your skin. Studies have shown that flavonoids are strong antioxidants that can shield your skin against cancer and inflammation.
A German study published in the Journal of Nutrition unveiled that women who took hot tea or cocoa with high flavonoid content for three months developed softer and smoother skin than women who took hot cocoa with low flavonoid content.[3]
6. B Vitamins
Vitamin B – Shutterstock Image
B vitamins play an important role in promoting the growth of healthy cells throughout your body, including the skin. Good sources of B vitamins include eggs, poultry, and fortified whole grains.
Deficiencies in B vitamins trigger itching and dryness. When topically applied, B vitamins can help protect against sun-induced skin damage and prevent the formation of wrinkles, according to a Japanese study.
7. Lycopene
Lycopene refers to antioxidants extracted from tomatoes. Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color. Health benefits for the skin can be obtained by consuming freshly warmed tomatoes or using tomato facials. Other than fighting free radicals, when applied topically, lycopene helps with metabolic functions related to cell growth and repair.
In addition, lycopene has UV-blocking capabilities, making it an important weapon in the fight against aging skin. Other sources of lycopene include papaya, wolfberry, goji, and pink grapefruit.
Conclusion
By taking a closer look at skincare vitamins and antioxidants, you will find that almost all come from plant sources. You can reap many skin health benefits from vitamins and antioxidants, either through topical application or incorporating them into your diet.
However, eat natural vitamins as well as antioxidants, so they are more beneficial when freshly used. Vitamins and antioxidants have significant impacts on alleviating common skin conditions caused by exposure to sunlight.Remember to regularly use sunscreen protection to improve the health of your skin.
Have you ever had these amazing antioxidants for flawless skin? What were the results? Share with us!
Read Also – How Antioxidants Prevent Oxidative Damage Of Skin?
3 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Alpha lipoic acid and vitamin E improve atorvastatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions in rats: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567724919302533l
[3] Flavonoids: https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/6/1565/4664397
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