What Are Antioxidants And Why Should We Care
Antioxidants protect our cells from the oxidative damage caused by aging, pollution, toxins and even normal metabolism. They are essential in every anti-aging regime. Just like your diet needs a mix of healthy beneficial nutrients, so does your skin.
Our body produces free radicals as part of our metabolic processes. These particles are atoms that create a chain reaction of chemical changes within our body. When we have an overload of those chemical changes, it can result in damage to our cells sometimes leading to serious illnesses like cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Antioxidants act as a buffer between our body and free radicals. Scientific studies have proved the effectiveness of antioxidants in reducing wrinkles and rosacea, and even preventing skin cancer. Along with many foods like fruit and vegetables, certain herbs, spices and essential oils derived from nutrient-dense plants are extremely high in healing antioxidant compounds. Here are some antioxidants you should look for when choosing your skin care products.
Astaxanthin
A carotenoid (carotene pigment) found in algae that functions as a potent antioxidant. This antioxidant is 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C! Research also suggests that astaxanthin may be able to prevent the oxidative damage to skin after exposure to UVA radiation. We use Astaxanthin in: Reverse Longitude PM Serum-Shot
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
A powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties when used topically. Current research also indicates that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), Green Tea’s active component, can prevent collagen breakdown and reduce UV damage to skin. We use Green Tea Leaf Extract in: Peak Strength AM Serum-Shot Raw, Nurture PM Treatment
Totarol
An extract from the heartwood of the New Zealand native Totara tree, this powerful nature-sourced antioxidant helps fight oxidative stress and free-radical damage to the skin. We use Totarol in most of our products: Glacial Melting Cleanser, Raw Nourish AM Treatment, 6000X Elemental Screen SPF 30, Peak Strength AM Serum-Shot
Harakeke Seed Oil
Phormium Tenax (Harakeke) Seed Oil is nature's super skin hydrator, rich with with natural antioxidants and polysaccharides. It naturally soothes, hydrates and cools, reducing puffiness and redness. We use Harakeke Seed Oil in: Glacial Melting Cleanser, Raw Nourish AM Treatment 6000X, Elemental Screen SPF 30, Raw Nurture PM Treatment
Bakuchiol
This antioxidant is found in the seeds of the plant psoralea corylifolia (commonly known as the Babchi plant). Bakuchiol has a retinol-like effect on the skin without the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. We use Bakuchiol in: Raw Nurture PM Treatment, Reverse Longitude PM Serum-Shot
Phenyl t-Butylnitrone
This advanced antioxidant is one of the new buzz ingredients in the skin care world. An antioxidant that falls into the category called 'spin traps'. It catches the free radicals and stops them before they do any damage. This is different to other antioxidants that react with the free radicals and convert them into water after they have begun the damage. We use Phenyl t-Butylnitrone in: Peak Strength AM Serum-Shot
One thing to keep in mind is that antioxidants break down when exposed to light and air, so it’s important to make sure the products you buy are packaged in opaque and airtight or air-restrictive containers. Otherwise these vital, but unstable, ingredients will begin to lose their effectiveness once you open the container.