We may have all heard the term antioxidant before, but do we really know what it means, and specifically, what it means for our skin? Every single one of us has antioxidants in our system, some of which are made by the body itself, and some which are ingested in our diet from foods that double as anti-inflammatory products too. Sources of antioxidants in your diet offer much-needed help in counteracting the damage done by things like sun exposure, a poor diet, smoking, taking medications, even high amounts of stress and other natural factors that increase the risk of age-related problems. In terms of increasing antioxidants in your diet, use organic plant-based oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and almond oil for cooking food. Red and purple grapes, blueberries, nuts and fish are also examples of antioxidants that are all loaded with vitamins and essential fatty acids, and help keep your skin looking hydrated and youthful. To help you get more antioxidant action in your life, we’ve made a list of the easy places to find it. Dark Chocolate Hallelujah! Chocolate ain’t all bad. If you stick to the dark variety that’s higher in cocoa solids, and less in sugar or milk solids you’ll be doing your system a favour. That’s because the antioxidants found here can help lower blood pressure and reduce diabetes risk. Berries Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries – if it ends in ‘berry’ it’s almost guaranteed to be a food high in antioxidant, and when they’re as delicious as this, we’re not going to complain! The polyphenols, or plant compounds, found in these berries have been linked to slower decline of cognitive and motor skills with aging and are loaded with vitamin C and other skin-friendly antioxidants that help your complexion recover from damage caused by UV rays and pollution. Nuts Walnuts and pecans are the bonus nuts here, as they are not only loaded with protein and fiber, but just a handful of these a day can help lower cholesterol. Pecans are also bursting with the mineral manganese, which boasts age-defying antioxidant powers to help keep skin firm. So load them up on your breakfast! Vitamin C Not forgetting Vitamin C – this is high in antioxidant properties and its role in collagen synthesis make it a super friend for skin health. Some studies even show Vitamin C helps prevent and treat UV-induced photo damage, and it’s not just in oranges! So pack some pineapple, kiwi fruit, brussel sprouts or bell peppers in your shopping basket next time you’re out – your skin will thank you for it! Ultra Antioxidant Complex If you want to go one step further, and not only eat antioxidant foods, but also apply some straight to your skin, then try Ultra Antioxidant Complex. Formulated with a powerful range of antioxidants (including Vitamin E) this serum helps to reduce signs of premature ageing by protecting your skin against harsh environmental elements.
