It’s almost impossible to talk about anti-ageing in skincare without hearing the words ‘anti-oxidants’ or ‘free radicals’. Generally, people probably know that free radicals are bad and anti-oxidants stop them. But if you dig any deeper, its unlikely they could tell you anything else. Whilst the science behind them is complicated and still being studied, the concepts behind how they work and how we can minimize the negative effects are quite simple.

Most products that have an anti-ageing effect will include some kind of anti-oxidant, but its worth understanding. What do they actually do? How do they work?

To get a better understanding, we need to understand the key terms involved.

Free Radicals: A free radical is an atom, molecule or ion that has an unpaired electron. This ‘radical’ can cause reactive damage to surrounding cells and molecules. Free radicals are linked as causes to all sorts of issues such as diseases including cancers and premature ageing.

Anti-Oxidants: According to Harvard Health, "Antioxidant" is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. Understanding antioxidants - Harvard Health
Essentially, antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and to balance a molecule, atom or ion by ‘donating an electron to the unbalanced molecule’

Oxidative Stress: Occurs when there is an imbalance in your body between the amount of free radicals and the amount of antioxidants there are to counteract them. This is what leads to cell decay, damage and disease.

What Causes Free Radicals?

Unfortunately, Lots of things. UV, Pollution, Smoking, Medication, Diet and even regular metabolism. Unfortunately free radicals are a result of existing in the world over time, stopping them completely is simply not possible. It seems the best way to deal with free radicals is to maintain a healthy balance of Anti-Oxidants to counteract them.

How Do Antioxidants Work In Skincare?

1. Protection from Environmental Damage: By forming a protective barrier on the skin, Antioxidants shield it from harmful factors such as pollution and ultraviolet radiation (sun rays) Vitamin C is a standout source of antioxidants for this purpose. 
2. Anti-Aging Benefits: By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants reduce cell damage and thereby help to reduce the signs of aging. One ingredients that does a remarkable job of this is Vitamin E which supports cell regeneration and repair, resulting in firmer, smoother skin.
3. Brightening Effect: Antioxidants help to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation giving a brighter, more even skin tone and overall complexion. Ingredients that excel in at this include Vitamin C and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
4. Soothing Properties: Some antioxidants help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, green tea extract and chamomile are great examples of ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties.

How To Get Antioxidants In Your Skincare

Fortunately, it's quite simple to boost the amount of available antioxidants in your system, some of the best ways to do this include:

• Serums and Creams: Skincare products high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E are particularly effective antioxidants. You can find this in a lot of serums and moisturisers Honey Biotics Hydrating Manuka Serum contains Kakadu Plum which has 50 X Vitamin C than oranges and Honey Biotics Intense Moisturiser is the highest potency Vitamin E Cream on the market. 
• Diet: Berrys, nuts and leafy greens are high in antioxidants, by adding these or increasing these in your diet you can boost your skin's ability to fight free radicals from within. 
• Consistency: As free radicals are an ongoing hazard caused by environment, using skincare products in the morning to give protection throughout the day is essential. Keeping this up consistently allows for the best results.

Honey Biotics products contain ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, Vitamin E which are extremely high in antioxidants

Honey Biotics and Antioxidants

At Honey Biotics, we have included some of the most powerful natural antioxidants available in our unique product blends. Ingredients such as Vitamin E, Kakadu Plum and Niacinamide are some of the most powerful Antioxidants available. These ingredients work hard to protect your skin from the harmful damages caused by the environment, incorporating them into your skincare routine and adding them to your diet will ultimately give you the best protection against free radicals, resulting in a more youthful glow, even complexion and less younger looking skin. 

For more skincare tips and to explore our range of antioxidant-rich products, visit Honey Biotics today. Your journey to healthier, glowing skin starts here.