Antioxidants Skin Care Products

The Purpose of Antioxidants

Free radicals are nemeses we all have to deal with, whether we're aware of them or not. These hyperactive molecules create an unstable environment for the cells in the body. The results aren't pretty. Free radicals can contribute to cancer and a number of other diseases and increase the signs of aging.

Naturally, something that promises to combat this harmful pollutant is a welcome addition to any skincare regimen. Antioxidants do just that by preventing and, in some cases, even reversing the oxidization of cells caused by free radicals. Essentially, the job of an antioxidant is to find free radicals and neutralize their powers.

Antioxidant functions are derived from vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene, selenium, zinc and a host of other ingredients commonly found in skincare products. Adding these products to your regimen may well make a huge difference in the long term condition of your skin.

Types of Antioxidants Skin Care Products

If you're searching specifically for items formulated to counter the harmful effects of free radicals, you may want to keep an eye out for antioxidants skin care products. These types of products contain specific ingredients that provide short and long term benefits.

Body Lotions

It's time to start being a bit pickier about the lotions you apply. Treat your skin to one of these antioxidant-rich moisturizers and reap the endless benefits they provide.

• Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn with Ester-C Hand and Body Lotion: Sea buckthorn oil contains a powerful package of nature's most potent antioxidants, including vitamin C (which protects against sun damage, boosts collagen production and improves skin texture) and the all-important omega fatty acids (which boost the skin's metabolic rate).

• Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Antioxidant Body Complex: A velvety formula is just for starters; what will really have you slathering this stuff on is its high content of kalaya (or emu) oil. The oil contains naturally generous amounts of vitamins A and E, known for their skin-healing properties.

Facial Products

Amp up your facial skincare routine with a product that does it all!

• Juice Beauty Green Apple Cleansing Gel: Brightening, purifying and pore-cleansing ingredients work their magic in this thick, relaxing cleanser. It contains apple and lemon juices, which promote skin rejuvenation and protect against cell and tissue damage.

• DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew: This lightweight lotion is ideal for sensitive skin types (it's oil-, lanolin- and dye-free) and contains grapeseed extract, which is renowned for its ability to regenerate and repair damaged skin.

• Joey New York Lift Up Eye Gel: Smooth out those fine lines with this cooling gel. Its vitamin C content protects the skin from harmful environmental damage.

Other Ingredients to Look For

Look for products containing one or more (better!) of these ingredients:

• Rosehip Oil – Firms the skin and boosts collagen production
• Virgin Coconut Oil – Prevents liver spots and other blemishes
• Rooibos Tea – Relieves eczema and psoriasis and offers strong anti-aging properties
• Wild African Honey – Rich in nourishing vitamins, minerals and amino acids
• Extra Virgin Cocoa Butter – Rejuvenating and known to reduce stretch marks and scars
• Pumpkin Seed Oil – High in gamma-tocopherol vitamin E, which stabilizes and stops free radicals in their tracks
• Red Palm Oil – Contains tocotrienol and tocopherol, which prevent damage from UV rays and other environmental factors
• Neem – Rich in fatty acids, it treats a variety of uncomfortable skin and scalp conditions
• Green Tea – Detoxifies, purifies and fights the effects of sun-related aging
• Coffee Berry – Shown to improve skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increase firmness and hydration

Where to Purchase

Many skincare product manufacturers value the importance of antioxidant ingredients in their products. Concerns about aging skin, in particular, contribute to this booming industry. Search for products at health food stores, online specialty boutiques and larger retail stores (such as Sephora).