When it comes to skin health, a diet rich in antioxidants is widely praised for its anti-aging benefits. Consuming nutritious food is one great way to get these antioxidants and consuming natural, high-quality supplements like our Relief Sari Kulit Manggis and Relief Sari Kunyit, have been proven to affect the quality and health of a person’s skin. On this week's journal, we dig deeper into what antioxidant actually does and how it benefits the skin. Read on!
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that reduce damage caused by free radicals or prevent it from occurring. They are phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that protect our cells from free radical damage. These substances can occur naturally in plants, fruits, vegetables, teas, and so on, but they can also be man-made.
Although antioxidants have a common goal to protect the cells from free radical damage, they are not equal. These substances are present in every cell and organ in your body; different antioxidants work in different parts of the cell or in different organs. Therefore, it is impossible to claim that all antioxidants work the same way or that you need one antioxidant more than others to stay healthy. Just like our body needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy, it also needs a spectrum of antioxidants.
Instead of focusing on one specific antioxidant, you will experience greater benefits if you consume a well-balanced diet rich in different antioxidants or take supplements that provide them. They work together to keep your skin healthy.
What are some common examples of anti-aging antioxidants?
1. Vitamin E
This antioxidant is present in the skin and is easy to obtain through healthy diet as it is found in various fruits and vegetables, as well as sunflower oil, grains, oats, nuts, and dairy products. Vitamin E supports collagen production and reduces the appearance of signs of aging. Get the recommended daily value of Vitamin E through diet for a better skin appearance.
2. Vitamin C
Found in a wide array of vegetables and fruits, especially citrus, Vitamin C is usually associated with reduced appearance of signs of aging. It also helps calm and hydrate the skin from the inside. Eating a well-balanced diet with lots of produce can ensure you a sufficient supply of Vitamin C in your system.
3. Xanthones
As a component found in mangosteen (manggis), xanthones may help reduce the growth of cancer cells, prevent them from spreading and cause these cells to die, according to a study. These antioxidants are non-toxic and help inhibit the spread of cancer during the initiation, promotion and progression stages, making mangosteen xanthones potentially beneficial in the treatment of cancer without damaging healthy cells or causing the adverse effects. However, research is still mainly in the preliminary stages and there isn't sufficient evidence yet to recommend mangosteen for the treatment of cancer in people.
Consuming xanthones also helps reduce heart disease risk by improving the functioning of the lining of the blood vessels, reducing your blood pressure and preventing blood clots and clogged arteries. These effects may be due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood vessel-relaxing properties of xanthones.
4. Lycopene
Lycopene is incredibly beneficial for improving skin texture due to the fact it promotes collagen production and reduces DNA damage that leads to fine lines and wrinkles. To get the most out of this antioxidant, you should increase the intake of foods that contain it, like tomatoes, as well as taking Omega-3 supplements.
5. Curcumin
Last but not least, our star of last week makes a reappearance on this week's journal, as this primary component of turmeric contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have found that curcumin can help counteract the effects of aging and age-related diseases, making turmeric one of the beneficial spice that can be a prime ingredient for preventing the process of skin aging.
Not only can curcumin halt inflammation in its tracks, but it also protects the skin by improving collagen production while fighting away free radicals. Many of the skin abnormalities like dryness, rashes, scaliness, swelling, and irritation are repaired since curcumin helps increase connective tissue formation and promotes blood flow.
While it can drastically minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and changes in skin pigment, whether applied topically or consumed internally, curcumin in turmeric has also been shown to be quite effective in calming the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other skin diseases.