SUMMARY
Antioxidants are crucial for skin health. Skin is under constant attack from free radical damage and the best way to protect it is by both topical and oral applications of antioxidants. Antioxidants work in synergy and the best path to antioxidant protection is to combine antioxidants together for best results for skin and overall health. Fundamentally, encouraging clients to address their diets and supplement with the right antioxidant rich vitamins and nutrients to support their topical skincare regime will have them on the right path to skin success.

Antioxidants have long been known for their health benefits, but their importance in skincare is also becoming increasingly clear. Helping clients understanding the role of antioxidants and their benefits is fundamental for a healthy skincare journey.

WHAT IS AN ANTIOXIDANT?
Antioxidants are substances, in the form of nutrients or enzymes that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. They help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.

ANTIOXIDANTS IN SKINCARE
When it comes to skincare, it’s important to remember that antioxidants are important both orally and topically for to maintain good skin health.  There are several types of antioxidants found in vitamins and nutrients, each has its own unique benefits

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  Vitamin C is water soluble and found predominantly in nature, the human body cannot produce vitamin C, therefore it can only be obtained through diets. As well as, stimulating collagen production in the dermis, topical and oral applications vitamin C have also been found to improve the appearance of photoaged skin[1]. Vitamin C is an essential part of the antioxidant brigade to protect against free radical damage from the atmosphere and from ultraviolet light. Another important protective function of vitamin C is to ensure the migration of fibroblasts in the repair of wounds and DNA.

• Lutein & lycopene
  Lutein and lycopene are antioxidant carotenoid complexes that give plant their pigments. They are responsible for the vibrant orange, yellow and red colours in fruit and vegetables. As antioxidants, they help deactivate free radicals. A study by the Institute of Experimental Dermatology, a sample group was given an antioxidant supplement containing the phytonutrients lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene and selenium.  After 10 weeks, skin density had increased by 7% and thickness had increased by 14%.  Scaling and roughness decreased by 60% and 33% respectively ^(1).
• Astaxanthin
  Did you know astaxathin is the reason flamingos have their pink colour? Naturally occurring carotenoid, astaxanthin is found in the algae flamingos eat.  It gives plants their reddish colour in certain types of seafood, including salmon, lobster, crabs, trout and shrimp. Astaxanthin is most known for its anti-ageing properties. A study found that that astaxanthin can improve skin condition in all layers such as corneocyte layer, epidermis, basal layer and dermis by combining both oral supplementation and topical treatment and oral supplementation of astaxanthin can improve the skin condition both women and men[2]. 
• Resveratrol
  Resveratrol is a bioflavonoid antioxidant and is an essential part of an anti-ageing process for skin and the body. It is found in red grapes, red wine, dark berries, such as blueberries and bilberries. Topical applications for resveratrol has been shown to accelerate wound healing with greater epithelial growth, more collagen, more elastin and improved skin architecture. Resveratrol also protects against UVB and UVA rays. It rejuvenates the DNA of cells and protects it from free radical damage[3].
•  Green Tea
  Green tea is known often referred to as a superfood, as it is richer in antioxidants than other tea. It is made from the Camellia sinensis plant and unlike regular teas it doesn’t undergo processing therefore retains its colour and nutritional content.  The health benefits of green tea derive from its abundance of polyphenols. Polyphenols play a critical role in neutralising free radical and suppressing inflammation and supporting cell signalling in the body[4]. Green tea has been shown to have DNA-protective effects even during exposure to environmental contaminants such as cigarette smoke[5].
• Vitamin A
  Although it is not seemingly known as an antioxidant, vitamin A has strong antioxidant attributes. Beta-Carotene (taken in oral form) is a pre-cursor to vitamin A and as with all carotenoids, beta-carotene is an antioxidant. Unlike other carotenoids, such as lycopene and lutein, beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A in the body. As an antioxidant, Beta carotene prevents premature skin ageing by reducing oxygen damage caused by UV light, pollutions and other external stressors.

In addition, Topical retinoid remain the mainstay for treating photo aging given their proven efficacy in both clinical and histological outcomes. The application of retinoid might not only clinically and biochemically repair photoaged skin, but their use might also prevent photo-ageing[6].

FEED, FORTIFY, FINISH GUIDE TO ANTIOXIDANTS

ADVANCED NUTRITION PROGRAMME – SKIN BLUE FILTER
Skin Blue Filter features a fusion of cell-protecting nutrients and targeted antioxidants** encased in blue capsules derived from spirulina extract.   See page x for details on this months promotion

ENVIRON – VITA PEPTIDE EYE GEL
A quick-absorbing eye gel containing specially selected vitamins, antioxidants and peptides for the delicate and sensitive eye area. See page x for more details on this month’s promotion

ET AL. – ANTI-POLLUTION PRIMERS
Lightweight primers that act like a serum, powered by a synergy of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.  The ultimate base for foundation that protects skin from externa stressors.

References:

[1] Pandel R, Poljšak B, Godic A, Dahmane R. Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention. ISRN Dermatology. 2013;2013:930164. doi:10.1155/2013/930164.

[2] Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects* Kumi Tominaga, Nobuko Hongo, Mariko Karato and Eiji Yamashita* The Journal of the Polish Biochemical Society – Vol. 59, No 1/2012 43–47

[3] Juhasz, B., et al, Resveratrol: a multifunctional cytoprotective molecule. Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 2010.11(8):p.810-8

[4] Afzal M, Safere AM, Menon M

[5] Al-awaida W, Akash M, Aburubaiha Z et al. Chinese green tea consumption reduces oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue damage in smoke exposed rats. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2014;17 (10): 740-6. Ho

[6] Pandel R, Poljšak B, Godic A, Dahmane R. Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention. ISRN Dermatology. 2013;2013:930164. doi:10.1155/2013/930164.