Sunday 12 September 2010

Why do we need Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation -- a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction. If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they end up being oxidized. This is why it's important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants and prevent your skin from harmful free radicals.
Free radicals may also play a role in heart disease, cancer and other conditions, but also increase the ageing process of your skin. A free radical is highly reactive chemical that often contains oxygen and is produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons (a process called oxidation). Free radicals can damage important cellular molecules such as DNA or lipids or other parts of the cell.

Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body's immune systems cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.


You can find antioxidants -- such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium and vitamins A, C and E -- naturally in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, some meats, poultry and fish.

Your skincare can also be a great source of antioxidants.

When it comes to caring for your skin, antioxidants can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Unlike sunscreens and moisturizers, antioxidants can protect your skin from the inside out by guarding your cells from damage. Vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium are thought to be particularly helpful in skin care. In addition to helping fortify cells against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself.

Great Antioxidant Products from Neal's Yard Remedies Organic
White Tea Facial Mist

White Tea Face Mask

White Tea Eye Gel

Power Berry Face Mask

Power Berry Daily Moisture

Power Berry Facial Wash

Organic Beauty Oil

Rose Facial Wash

Rose Daily Moisture

Orange Flower Facial Wash

Orange Flower Daily Moisture

Orange Flower Night Cream

Orange Flower Facial Oil

Calming Aftershave Balm
 
Super Antioxidant Boost
 
Purchase all online at http://www.skinorganics.org.uk/

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