We’ve been hearing a lot about free radicals recently, and how they can have a negative impact on our health. However did you know that according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research levels of free radicals are higher in people with atopic dermatitis, known more commonly as eczema. This implies that antioxidants, which counteract free radicals, may benefit people suffering from this skin condition. Research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science suggests that free radicals are implicated in skin ageing, and that we all could benefit from use of skin products that contain antioxidants.
Antioxidants come in many different forms, but did you know that two vitamins we hear so much about every day, vitamin C and E, are effective antioxidants and can be found in many skincare products.
Vitamin E
- According to the journal Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, vitamin E is the main antioxidant used by the skin to protect itself from damage and levels of this vitamin in the skin fall as a result. Your skin is exposed to damaging UV radiation and air pollutants on a daily basis, which trigger the production of damaging free radicals. One easy way to help replenish your skin’s vitamin E levels is to utilise a cream rich in this ingredient.
- Research indicates that vitamin E may be helpful for healing burns, ulcers and other wounds that occur as a result of accidental injury. A recent study published in BioMed Research International informs us that the combination of vitamin E and aloe vera applied to the skin led to its successful uptake and effective wound healing.
Vitamin C
When used topically, vitamin C helps to relieve the symptoms and appearance of dry skin. This is especially beneficial to individuals who suffer from very dry skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Using products rich in this vital vitamin could also be beneficial as it helps the skin cells repair damaged tissues.
Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of collagen, a protein found in the body that along with elastin is responsible for the skin’s structure. An improvement in collagen production enhances the skin's firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C can also be used directly on the skin as a protection technique against harmful rays and pollutants.
Vitamin K
Whilst not considered an antioxidant like the aforementioned vitamins vitamin K is a vital vitamin that’s necessary to improve your blood circulation whilst enhancing and maintaining the skin’s youthful firmness and elasticity.
If you have been looking for a treatment to help combat dark circles under the eyes, vitamin K has been proven to help lighten under eyes circles. Although dark circles can be caused by various reasons including lack of sleep, it becomes visible due to leaking capillaries under the skin.
When applied to the skin it helps speed up the healing process and appearance of marks and scars giving you a more even tone by reducing the discolouration caused by bruises, scars, stretch marks, burns and spider veins.
