Whether you are out in the sun, smog, or cold weather, you are exposing your body to harmful compounds known as free radicals. These harmful atoms attack the healthy atoms along your skin which causes wrinkles, breakouts and dullness.
The only way to protect yourself from free radicals is with antioxidants. We’ve all heard of them but how are they good for the skin and what kinds are most beneficial? The first step to neutralizing free radicals is to identify the habits that put your skin at risk and incorporate the most effective antioxidants into your skin routine to help prevent and appease the damage that is occurring. Use the following guide to learn how you can combat free radicals.
If you…. Live In The City:
When you live in a big city, your skin is going to be exposed to a massive amount of nitric oxide fumes due to the many cars that surround you. Nitric oxide causes sensitivity and dryness by damaging skin’s DNA.
– Beneficial Antioxidant: Green Tea or White Tea
Teas have the tendency to neutralize free radicals before they even have the opportunity to penetrate the skin. Green or white teas are some of the strongest antioxidants available and successfully fight off free radicals found in the city.
If you…. Party A Lot:
When your liver is metabolizing the alcohol that you consumed, it causes inflammation. The inflammation then produces free radicals which causes dry skin and broken blood vessels. Skipping out on sleep to party also decreases the amount of time that your body has to repair itself.
– Beneficial Antioxidant: Sulforaphane
Sulforaphane is most commonly found in broccoli and has the power to boost your body’s natural defenses. Additionally, it also helps the body detoxify free radicals.
If you…. Ditch Sunscreen:
When you’re soaking in the sun but opt not to protect yourself, UV rays will penetrate deeply into your skin which causes free radicals to destroy elastin and collagen. The final result is brown spots, wrinkles and fine lines.
– Beneficial Antioxidant: Vitamin C
Vitamin C enhances the skins natural SPF to help protect it from the sun while also helping to fade sun spots and fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
No matter if you live in a big city, party a lot, or ditch sunscreen, your body is exposed to the most amount of free radicals when the sun is shining so be sure to load on your antioxidants before you walk out the door.
