What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are naturally occurring molecules that combat free radicals within your body. Free radicals are used to fight off infections, but if not kept in check can cause damage to your body and DNA over time. Antioxidants are crucial to the health and well-being of our body, and can be consumed orally through foods and supplements, or topically via skincare products and cosmetics.
While our body produces antioxidants naturally, sometimes it simply can’t produce enough. This leads to oxidative stress, a state when there’s more free radicals than antioxidants in the body. This can be exacerbated by several reasons such as environmental stressors and dietary changes.
Fortunately, there are several foods and vitamins available to us that are rich in naturally-occuring antioxidants. Vitamins C, E and B hold antioxidants that are crucial to bodily functions, while superfoods like broccoli, mushroom, carrots, papaya, leafy greens and fruits can bring considerable and proven health benefits.
It is no surprise that antioxidants have long been a staple in skincare formulations, as their benefits are not only confined to within the body but extends to the skin as well. Antioxidants are proven scientifically to protect the skin barrier and visibly enhance the surface of the skin, resulting in brighter, healthier and even skin.
As a bonus, antioxidants are valuable team players in your skincare routine, with research showing that a combination with favorites such as retinol, sodium hyaluronate, tranexamic acid and other powerhouse ingredients can yield significant benefits for your skin.
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate antioxidants into your routine, Papaya Water Toner is a great way to start. It is a gentle formula with 2.2% Niacinamide, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and five different forms of Centella Asiatica, which is known for its high concentrations of amino acids and antioxidants.
If you’re after a more powerful dose of antioxidants, you might want to give Honey Oat Water Cream a try. It contains antioxidant-rich actives like Honey and Propolis, and also vitamins like Niacinamide and Panthenol. It also features a superfood blend of mushroom, spirulina, broccoli, algae and seaweed to ensure you reap the full benefits from your routine.