6 Powerful Antioxidants for Healthy, Glowing Skin

The role of antioxidants goes far beyond just healthy, radiant skin, as there have been multiple studies to show how they can essentially improve almost every aspect of human health. However, the effects of powerful antioxidants on our skin are definitely the most visible proof of the benefits they bring. So, what are some of the most powerful antioxidants known to us for maintaining healthy, radiant skin? Let’s find out as we discuss six of them next.

6 Powerful Antioxidants for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is both one of the most powerful antioxidants known to us, as well as being the most researched antioxidants. Commonly found in plums, cherries, rosehip, peppers, kiwis, guavas, lemons, brussels sprouts, broccoli and a host of other fruits and veggies, vitamin C can have two primary effects on human skin:

• It is an essential nutrient for collagen synthesis, thus helps in maintaining healthy collagen levels; collagen is responsible for keeping our skin healthy, bouncy and radiant

• It fades skin blemishes, uneven tones, etc.

Vitamin A Derived Retinol

Retinol is a very powerful antioxidant, which is found naturally in cod liver oil, eggs, oranges, carrots, peppers, and dark, leafy greens among others. On consumption and direct application, we can expect skin benefits along the following lines:

• Boosted collagen production

• Antiaging effects

• Improved cell repair rate

• Protection against UV rays

Coenzyme CoQ10

Coenzyme CoQ10 consists primarily of multiple powerful antioxidants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, papaya, cucumber, and chamomile. A CoQ10 facial toner can have a whole range of positive effects on the skin such as:

• Antiaging properties: smoothing and fading wrinkles/fine lines

• Boosted production of not just collagen, but also elastin

• Hydrated facial skin cells gain and hold shape naturally

• Cleans out the pores with lactic acid

• Soothes the skin when suffering from the effects of allergic eczema and psoriasis

• Fights acne and other skin infections

• Brings down inflammations

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are primarily extracted or ingested from common plant-based food items such as green tea, chocolate, cloves, berries, grapes, beans, most vegetables, nuts, and soy. Common effects of the antioxidant on our skin are as follows:

• Brings down inflammations

• Boosts immunity, which in turn helps in preventing skin breakouts

• Topical usage may play a role in preventing certain forms of skin cancer

• Prevents premature aging

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are excellent antioxidants, and they are primarily sourced from tea leaves (both green and black tea). Flavonoids have been found to be particularly beneficial for the following effects on our skin:

• Treating symptoms of rosacea

• Reducing inflammations from acne and/or other skin lesions

• Reducing the impact of age-related collagen degradation

• Preventing sun damage and consequent premature aging of the skin

• Might be related to the prevention of certain types of skin cancer

Glutathione

One of the rarely mentioned, but highly beneficial antioxidants, is glutathione. It is sourced or ingested from avocados, tomatoes, oranges, asparagus, walnuts, and even milk protein. On ingesting it via dietary means, and/or topically applying glutathione products, a number of skin benefits such as the ones mentioned next could be observed:

• Skin detoxification

• Fading fine lines and wrinkles

• The appearance of supple, bouncy skin

It should be noted that aside from its external benefits, glutathione is particularly effective in maintaining kidney and liver health when made a part of our regular diet. Do be aware, though, that glutathione reduces melanin from our skin when applied topically, so it’s great for removing a bad tan, but will also increase your skin’s susceptibility to sun damage.

Make it a point to remember that by adding a healthy dose of antioxidants to our diets, we can further boost the positive effects experienced both inside and outside the body. A diet rich in fruits, for example, is closely linked to healthy and glowing skin, so for both internal and external health, antioxidants are extremely important nutrients in general.