Antioxidants are a bit like those ingredients that we hear about all the time without really knowing about them. They are linked to “detox” treatments, the trend towards healthy eating, vegetables, fruits… So what is an antioxidant? What are its benefits ? Why is it so good to have antioxidants in your routine? We tell you everything about everything.
So, what is an antioxidant?
To begin with, the word antioxidant refers to a category of active ingredients. Antioxidants can be polyphenols for example: polyphenols are antioxidants secreted by plants to protect against oxidation and scab (the disease which causes the fruit to display spots). But antioxidants can be vitamins, enzymes...
As its name clearly suggests, the purpose of an antioxidant is to fight against oxidation. Skin oxidation is the degradation of molecules in our cells by oxygen atoms. This oxidation is triggered by the presence of free radicals, therefore responsible for oxidative stress.
An antioxidant is therefore a molecule that prevents oxidative stress.
But then oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress is the process of oxidation of cells by free radicals. Free radicals are small molecules or unstable atoms that attach to the constituent molecules of our cells to stabilize themselves. As a result, this leads to chain reactions that degrade our cells and their components. Afterwards, there is no cause for alarm: free radicals are naturally produced by our body, it is normal.
Oxidative stress degrades collagen molecules but also promotes the appearance of pigment spots and wrinkles. Oxidative stress is aggravated by photoaging due to the effects of the sun: following prolonged exposure to UV rays, oxidative stress increases.
The number of free radicals increases depending on a set of factors: pollution, stress, UVA and UVB rays from the sun, tobacco, alcohol, etc. When this quantity of free radicals is too high, the body depletes its natural antioxidants such as vitamin E. and oxidative stress begins. Are you still following us?
This oxidative stress is responsible for many of our problems: dull complexion , spots, accelerated aging , lack of uniformity of complexion... It is for these reasons that we recommend antioxidants in your routine, and it is that’s why we have it in our products!
Why use an antioxidant?
Using an antioxidant means protecting your skin from external aggressions: yes, they fight oxidative stress but they are not only used for that. Vitamin C for example, if used under sunscreen, improves protection against UVA and UVB rays! In summary :
- Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress
- Antioxidants prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin: they slow down the aging of the skin
- Antioxidants prevent dull complexion
- Antioxidants brighten the face and even out the complexion
In detail, which antioxidants and products should you choose?
The best-known antioxidant is vitamin C. In addition to its antioxidant power, it stimulates the production of collagen, awakens dull complexions, evens out the complexion and reduces hyperpigmentation . Our radiance booster is ultra concentrated in vitamin C: three drops added to its day cream every morning are enough to restore radiance in around ten days. Most ? No need to completely change products to introduce vitamin C into your routine.
Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone for short is an antioxidant naturally produced throughout the body: it also stimulates cell renewal and acts on fine lines and wrinkles.
Plant extracts are often rich in antioxidants: our moisturizing cream, fluid or rich depending on your skin type, is enriched with acerola. This small red fruit offers the skin intense hydration but above all a good dose of antioxidants.
Adaptogenic plants like red schisandra berries are particularly concentrated in antioxidants. This concentration is due to the environment of adaptogenic plants: these plants have evolved to react to oxidative stress and climatic variations. We find red schisandra berries in our anti-grey serum : it provides antioxidants to the skin in addition to providing energy and tone.
Vegetable oils are often rich in antioxidants and various vitamins: night oil brings together 14 100% natural super vegetable oils to intensely nourish the skin and provide it with all the necessary antioxidants. Jojoba, avocado or even rice oil are rich in vitamin E: this vitamin is produced and used by the skin to protect itself from the sun.
