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Why do we need antioxidants?

Free radicals are molecules normally produced during metabolism. The body needs them to fight infection, limit the multiplication of cancer cells, and regenerate tissue. In principle, free radicals are therefore not a problem. However, with age, the body's antioxidant defense system weakens, allowing free radicals to multiply at will. External causes are at the origin of the production of free radicals: exposure to the sun, air pollution, cigarettes, electromagnetic radiation such as portable televisions and microwaves, stress, alcohol, etc. When the body is overwhelmed by their number and can no longer fight them, it finds itself in a state of oxidative stress. Free radicals then spread rapidly to neighboring molecules, triggering a process called oxidation. The excess of free radicals not eliminated by organic incapacity is toxic to the body and harmful to health. Our body needs antioxidants to regenerate and to fight against many factors, including natural aging. 

The main families of antioxidants

There are three main families of antioxidants: polyphenols, carotenoids and vitamins.

Polyphenols are antioxidants known for their anti-cholesterol and anti-cancer benefits, particularly against breast and prostate cancer. Polyphenols are a class of molecules primarily produced by plants. Flavonoids constitute the largest class of polyphenols, molecules known for their antioxidant properties. They are found in onions, apples, berries (especially currants), green beans, cocoa, chocolate, and herbal teas.

Resveratrol is also a polyphenol found in certain fruits such as grapes, blackberries and peanuts.

Another category is isoflavones, present in soy, legumes, apples, citrus fruits, and tea, whether black or green.

Carotenoids are antioxidants known to protect skin from the sun and prevent prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. They are found in all red or orange-fleshed vegetables and fruits, dark leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and peas.

Vitamins are essential for good health. They are used in cases of infection and fatigue, protect against degenerative diseases, and help prevent age-related illnesses. There are several categories of essential vitamins: vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K.

NB: It is not always easy to categorize the different antioxidants because some families overlap.

Antioxidants in cosmetics

Our experts recommend a beauty routine rich in antioxidants to improve the quality of your skin.

Choose formulas containing natural active ingredients containing flavonoids, such as moringa extract or propolis, one of the wonders offered by bees. Check out our article "Beehive Products: Beauty Players" for more information. When cleansing your skin, you can use sage hydrosol. Choose creams made with vegetable oils, such as raspberry vegetable oil, rich in carotenoids, apricot kernel oil, rich in vitamins A and E, and rice bran oil, rich in polyphenols and carotenoids. To maximize antioxidant concentration , choose high-quality, pure, and organic-certified natural ingredients. Read our article #beautyroutine2 - hydrating your skin to help you choose the right cream.

Antioxidants in food

We recommend adopting some dietary habits to improve your skin's elasticity. Discover the foods most abundant in antioxidants .

Among vegetables, avocado, artichoke, watercress, garlic, green cabbage, spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, and red bell peppers are the foods with the highest concentration of antioxidants. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and resveratrol.

Cloves, apples, blueberries, berries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in flavonoids. Thyme, like walnuts and hazelnuts, is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids. Ginger is rich in polyphenols. Goji berries contain vitamins and carotenoids. Green tea and coffee contain phenolic acids.

Just like when choosing your cosmetics, we recommend choosing high-quality, organic foods to ensure optimal antioxidant concentrations.

Convinced by the benefits of oxidants?

Article written by Clémentine - Alaena Team, 08/04/2017