The free radical theory of ageing has been around since the 1950s. It basically states that these unstable molecules can damage your cells and age them over several years of normal function.
That said, there are other factors that could trigger the formation of free radicals, such as the sun, radiation, cigarette smoke, pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals.
The good news is that antioxidants have the power to fight free radical damage, help your cells recover from oxidative stress and effectively reduce the signs of ageing.
The Benefits of Antioxidants for Anti-Ageing
Let’s explore the many benefits of antioxidants for anti-ageing, one by one.
Antioxidants Help Correct Visible Signs of Ageing
First things first, did you know that oxidative stress caused by free radicals can break down collagen? This can result in wrinkles, sagging and fine lines.
However, studies show that antioxidants fight these effects of ageing to give the skin a more youthful glow.
Antioxidants Help the Skin Repair Itself
Inflamed skin impacts your skin’s ability to repair itself. That’s where antioxidants and their anti-inflammatory properties come in.
By reducing inflammation, antioxidants encourage the skin’s natural rejuvenation process and combat any visible damage.
Antioxidants Help to Prevent Sunburn
As we mentioned earlier, the sun’s harmful rays are sometimes responsible for the formation of free radicals.
As a result, the skin will inflame. However, antioxidants can minimise your skin’s inflammatory response, which ultimately provides further protection against sun damage and photo-ageing.
Antioxidants Help to Brighten Skin Tone
Frequent sun exposure and free radicals can also create changes in your skin’s melanin production. This can cause an uneven skin tone and dark spots.
By decreasing photo-damage, antioxidants can help to prevent skin pigmentation. Additionally, some antioxidants (like Vitamin C) can actively stimulate melanin production, thus brightening your skin.
The Best Antioxidants for Skin Ageing
There are many antioxidants that you can utilise for skin anti-ageing purposes. However, the following four are common favourites.
- Resveratrol is a part of a group of compounds called polyphenols that act as antioxidants. You can find it in skincare products, peanuts, berries and the skin of red grapes.
- Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and known to be effective in stimulating collagen production, accelerating cell renewal and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. You can find it in skincare products and eggs, oily fish and cheese.
- Vitamin C is championed amongst dermatologists and has lots of skin benefits, such as boosting collagen production and fading dark spots. You can find it in skincare products, citrus fruit, peppers and strawberries.
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is widely recognised for its ability to speed up the skin’s healing process. You can find it in skincare products, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
You can also consume all of the above as a supplement.
The Takeaway
The free radicals in your skin cells can cause damage over time and accelerate the ageing process, especially when coupled with other external factors such as sun exposure and cigarette smoke.
Having said that, antioxidants have been proven to tackle free radicals to essentially protect your skin cells from damage and significantly reduce the signs of ageing.
