Anti-aging products line the shelves of our local beauty and drug stores, many of which are plastered in labels claiming “antioxidant” ingredients. But what exactly are antioxidants and how do they help you fight back against the aging process?

Antioxidants are substances that work to inhibit or delay oxidation of your skin’s cells or DNA. Hence the name; antioxidant. Unless you are living in a plastic bubble, chances are you’re constantly being exposed to free radicals that cause cell oxidation in our bodies daily. This oxidation causes cell damage and weakens the molecules in your cells. This is because these electron-deprived free radicals are removing electrons from your cells. Literally stealing your cells’ electrons!  

Antioxidants aim to rescue distressed cells by breaking down the free radicals that can form during cell metabolism. Now that you have an idea of antioxidants and their role in the anti-aging process, let’s discuss some of the most powerful antioxidants for anti-aging, specifically those that target better skin health.  

Green Tea

Green tea has become one of the more recently popularized antioxidants for anti-aging. When consumed as a drink or in food, green tea can prevent weight gain and protect against disease. But when applied to the skin, green tea can reduce sun damage by attacking free radicals and reducing inflammation.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a cell-protecting powerhouse. It’s been linked with neutralizing free radicals to protect the cell, DNA and mitochondria from cell damage. Many skin creams contain CoQ10 due to its aging prevention.

Vitamin E

This important antioxidant does everything from fighting heart disease and boosting immunity to preventing the cell damage that can lead to skin cancer. Vitamin E is another antioxidant readily found in skincare products. This is due in part to its ability to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Vitamin C

Also known as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an essential antioxidant for fighting properties of aging skin. Vitamin C also protects your immunity, which is why your doctor suggest vitamin-C rich foods like citrus when you are ill. Topical creams and lotions are the best way to get vitamin C’s benefits for your skin.

Grape Seed

One of the newer antioxidants to make its way into skincare products is grape seed. It has proven to be oftentimes an even stronger antioxidant than vitamins C and E. This antioxidant’s ability to scavenge free radicals makes it a top contender for anti-aging skincare ingredients.

Whether you plan to increase your intake of antioxidants through diet or topical skincare, consumption of these potent compounds will be instrumental in the fight against aging.