the importance of antioxidants.
what are antioxidants?
Every day, your body is exposed to factors that put pressure on your cells: sunlight, air pollution, stress, but also normal processes such as breathing. These processes create free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and even DNA. This process is known as oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize these free radicals. They donate an electron to unstable molecules, preventing them from causing further damage. In this way, antioxidants help protect your cells and support your body in staying balanced.
well-known antioxidants.
There are many different types of antioxidants, and they occur naturally in food. Some well-known examples include:
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin E
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Coenzyme Q10
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Plant-based polyphenols
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Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene
the importance of antioxidants for your skin.
For your skin, antioxidants play an important protective role. Free radicals can damage collagen and elastin; the proteins that keep your skin firm and resilient. When this happens, the skin may show signs of premature ageing, such as a dull complexion, loss of elasticity, and fine lines.
Antioxidants help limit this damage and support your skin’s natural defence mechanisms. They contribute to skin that is better protected against daily external influences such as UV radiation and air pollution.
the importance of antioxidants for your body.
Antioxidants don’t just work in the skin, they support your entire body. They help protect cells against oxidative stress and support a variety of processes that are essential for your overall health.
Antioxidants contribute to:
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Protecting cells and tissues from free radical damage
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Supporting the immune system
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Helping to regulate inflammatory processes
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Supporting cellular repair processes
They are therefore an essential part of a balanced diet.
antioxidants and sunscreen: a smart combination.
UV radiation from the sun is one of the main triggers for the formation of free radicals in the skin. This is why antioxidants and sun protection work so well together.
Sunscreen helps by absorbing or reflecting UV rays before they penetrate the skin and cause damage. Antioxidants work differently: they help neutralize the free radicals that are still formed within the skin.
You can think of it as protection from the outside and support from within. Sunscreen protects your skin externally against UV radiation, while antioxidants help protect your body and skin internally against oxidative stress. Together, they form a powerful approach to maintaining healthy skin.
In our blog on sunscreen, you can read more about how sun protection works and why daily UV protection is so important.
how do you get antioxidants?
Your body produces some antioxidants on its own, but you also obtain them through your diet. Plant-based foods are especially rich in natural antioxidants. Think of colourful vegetables and fruits, herbs, nuts, and seeds.
Examples of antioxidant-rich foods include berries, leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, nuts, green tea, and cacao. By eating a varied, plant-based diet, you support your body’s natural defence system.
In some situations, however, it can be more difficult to get enough antioxidants through food alone. Periods of stress or intense sun exposure, for example, may increase your body’s need for antioxidants. In such cases, a supplement containing antioxidants can offer additional support.
By consciously choosing an antioxidant-rich diet, optionally combined with a supportive supplement, you provide your body and skin with the building blocks they need to stay healthy and resilient. In this way, you actively support the protection and care of your skin and body, from within, every day.