Antioxidants For Skin

Skin is an external organ, and therefore affected by the elements and light. Any sort of oxidation or rather oxidative stress, as well as peroxidation and radiation, will damage the skin. Sunlight, and why sunscreen is fundamental in the ‘skincare industry’ is an example of this.

This is why many supplements or herbs taken for other conditions, almost always have studies and additional benefits for the skin. An example is Centella Asiatica, which was used for brain health and studying before its powerful antioxidant effects were discovered fro skincare. (Ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, and Ginger are examples as well, of herbs used for other things but which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that have shown benefits for skin appearance and aging.?)

Oxidants = Damage
Antioxidants = Regeneration

Specific Antioxidants:

  • Vitamin E
  • Selenium
  • Anthocyanins
  • Carotenes (e.g. Lutein)

*Some of these are cofactors for antioxidants or upregulate antioxidants in the body.

Sources of Antioxidants:

  • Matcha
  • Green Tea
  • Coffee
  • Cacao or Dark Chocolate
  • Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)