Topical antioxidants play an important role in your skincare routine and they repair past damage, help to prevent future damage, promotes healthy ageing,  help to fight the visible signs of accelerated ageing, and offer a sophisticated army of protection for your skin, that neutralise free radicals and therefore reduces oxidative stress. The result – premature ageing and ageing process slows down! The outcome – the skin becomes younger looking, healthier, more luminous and happier. Who doesn’t want that? Did you know that over 90% of the signs of aging are caused by free radical damage?

The skin is constantly exposed to potential sources of free radical damage such as UV radiation, sun exposure, ozone in air pollution, irritating synthetic chemicals in personal care products that can cause inflammation and harsh chemicals in acne treatment products. Read my blog on oxidative stress to learn more.

Whilst eating a diet rich in anti oxidants is crucial, there are internal sources that need antioxidants for support, ie; gut issues like constipation and bloating, processed foods, a diet rich in acid forming foods, gluten intolerance, illness, disease and stress etc. These internal imbalances compete for the same antioxidants your skin needs for protection against inflammation and free radical damage.  And without sufficient topical antioxidants the skin cannot cope with all of the potential free radical insult.

I’m pretty sure that you desire clearer, healthier, younger looking, gorgeous and luminous skin naturally right? Well… begin to incorporate high levels of topical antioxidants into your skincare routine and from a #beautyinsideout, holistic point of view increase, your intake with lots of berries, fruit and vegetables.

How do antioxidants work?

Antioxidants are stable molecules with electrons to spare; they have the ability to recieve extra electrons. Antioxidants are natures defense against the damaging effects of free radicals. They guaurd cellular structures and DNA against electron scavenging free radicals

Research indicates that topical antioxidants will generally:

• ~ Provide some UVA/UVB protection
• ~ Stimulate the production of collagen
• ~ Reduce cellular damage and photoageing
• ~ Alleviate and reduce inflammation
• ~ Protect against harmful pollutants in the environment like smoke and exhaust fumes
• ~ Protect against free radical damage and neutralized reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Be careful,  as antioxidants lose their power when exposed to light and air and are sometimes added to products at insignificant levels! All of my skincare products are housed in Swiss Violet Glass, proven to block the penetration of UV light through the glass and therefore maintains the potency and activity of antioxidants, the clinically proven plant bio-actives and the freshness of organic wild harvested ingredients. I love skin and I love perfecting yours with honest, powerful formulations.

So how do topical antioxidants feature in the Antonia Burrell Holistic Skincare products?

I do not compromise when it comes to topical antioxidants OR with the levels they are infused into my skincare products. With the classic antioxidant vitamins; A, C and E being standard ingredients in my products, I wanted to give you more. More  ‘power house’ antioxidants infused at high levels, that will help to ensure maximum protection and great looking, healthy skin. Read about three of my favourites…

Olive polyphenols extracted from the olive fruit and currently claimed to be the most powerful antioxidant to date! Its has a whopping 15 more antioxidant power than green tea and three times that of CoEnzymeQ10! Known to also reduce dehydration, improves the elasticity and texture of the skin acts as defender to cell membranes and protects proteins like collagen in skin from being damaged.

We use it in Cream Supreme, Pure Therapy Facial Oil Serum and Radiant Light Facial Oil Serum

Our Patented Olive Leaf Extract rich in Oleuropein, has 400% more anti oxidant power than vitamin C and twice as much as green tea and Coenzyme Q10. Highly antibacterial, it helps to heal inflamed, pimpled lesions, protect from oxidative stress and UVB insult whilst detoxifying the skin.

We use it in Cream Supreme and Pure Therapy Facial Oil Serum.

Brazillian Acai Berry, is packed with antioxidants like anthocyamins, photosterols and phenols, giving it more anti oxidant power than mangosteen and cranberries, so will help to promote skin repair and offer the haute couture in skin protection.

Acai helps to balance moisture levels in the skin, stimulate the regeneration process, removes any toxic build up in the skin, so improving the skin’s complexion. It slows the ageing process, feeds the skin and helps stop wrinkles from forming.

We use it in Cream Supreme.

Featured Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/hisuzanne/