Antioxidants enhance and protect the skin by destroying free radicals that contribute to skin damage such as aging, wrinkles and sun exposure. The best skin antioxidants are vitamin C, grape seed extract and vitamin E. These antioxidants support and maintain the skin, especially when combined together. Vitamin C can stimulate the production of collagen, grape seed extract helps boost the vitamin C and vitamin E helps heal and protect the skin.
Vitamin C
Within the recent past, vitamin C has transitioned from an antioxidant that is oral to an antioxidant obtained as a topical skin cream or serum. Topical vitamin C prevents potential damage from the environment before it occurs and is one of the most effective ways to boost collagen production. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant used in cosmetic products that can penetrate skin layers to guard against free radicals that cause wrinkles. For best results, consider gaining vitamin C through fruits and vegetables in addition to topical vitamin C applied directly on the skin.
Grape Seed Extract
Grapes have risen in prominence in the antioxidant market, not only for internal benefits such as protecting the body against age-related degeneration but because the extract of grapes are high in silicon, which is vital for healthy skin. According to The National Skin Care Institute, grape seed products, such as cleansers, provide antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that cleanse the skin without drying it. In addition, applying grape seed oil directly on the skin will help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Grape seed extract is one of the best skin antioxidants available. Taken internally, the antioxidants in grape seed extract provide collagen support in internal tissues as well. Pycnogenol is another name for grape seed extract.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant added to many skin-care products, including lotions, creams and oils. This powerful antioxidant has a role in healing and protecting skin from elements that produce harmful free radicals. According to the “Journal of Investigative Dermatology,” vitamin E plays a major protective role for oxidized skin. Oxidized skin occurs from exposure to air, or oxygen, which causes free radical damage that deteriorates the skin’s surface. From their research, the authors of the “Journal of Investigative “article determined that vitamin E has the potential of a powerful antioxidant when applied directly to the skin. Cosmetic products that contain vitamin E reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, age spots and even reduce or prevent sun damage. For added benefits, rely on vitamin E in both vitamin tablets taken orally and as applied directly onto the skin.
About this Author
Suzann Connell is an accomplished writer with more than 15 years of freelance writing experience for many corporations. Her articles have also appeared on LIVESTRONG.com. She is a Ph.D. candidate in holistic nutrition with Clayton College of Natural Health, and is an advocate of nutrition, exercise and healthy living.
