Home > Health > Anti-aging Antioxidants

Antiaging Antioxidants in Food and Skincare

You might have noticed that the antiaging properties of antioxidants have been getting a lot of attention lately. Some scientists believe that antioxidants can not only help slow down aging but that they can also reverse the aging process.

Problems Caused by Free Radicals
When we convert food into energy, our bodies produce free radicals. Free radicals are mutated oxygen molecules that damage cells and contribute to aging. We are also exposed to free radicals through pollution and excessive sun exposure, both of which speed up the aging process.

You can combat free radicals, however, with anti-aging antioxidants, which help your body defend against cell damage caused by free radicals.

Antiaging Antioxidants in Foods
Antioxidants are substances with anti-aging benefits. They can be vitamins, minerals or enzymes. Antiaging antioxidants are found in many foods. Some of the most powerful antioxidants with antiaging properties are vitamins. For example, vitamins A, C and E all have strong anti-aging benefits. Raw fruits and vegetables are considered the best source of antiaging antioxidant vitamins and minerals.

In a 2006 study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture examined the level of natural antioxidant concentration in more than 100 different foods. In general, fruits and vegetables contain the most antiaging antioxidants, but certain nuts and spices also contain antioxidants that prevent aging.

Foods rich in antioxidants with anti-aging properties include the following:

• beans
• blackberries
• blueberries
• cranberries
• ground cinnamon
• hazelnuts
• oregano
• pecans
• Russet potatoes.

To get the most antiaging benefits, eat several servings of these fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices each day.

Antiaging Antioxidants in Skincare
When free radicals damage our skin cells, our skin can develop wrinkles and dark spots and can start to sag. In addition to combating skin damage by consuming foods rich in antioxidants, you can protect your skin with a variety of topical anti-aging antioxidants.

Here's a list of some of the most common antiaging antioxidants found in skin care and their benefits:

• Green Tea extract reduces the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores.
• N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) is an antiaging antioxidant that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Vitamin A (retinol) minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Vitamin C reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and may lessen the severity of sunburns.
• Vitamin E improves the softness and level of moisture in the skin.

To ensure that your skincare contains substantial amounts of these antiaging antioxidants, check to see if those antioxidants are listed near the top of the ingredients list.