While skin aging is a natural process, few people enjoy seeing their first wrinkles. But the good news is that antioxidants can slow down the aging process. So you can stay young longer… Especially if you lead a healthy lifestyle at the same time. We explain all you need to know about the aging process and the benefits of antioxidants in our article.
Skin aging is above all a natural phenomenon, generally beginning around the age of 25… But the exact age can vary slightly depending on each individual’s genetic make-up.
The cause ? A progressive decline in the production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid by fibroblasts, the skin’s main cells. These molecules are extremely important, as they contribute to :
hydration ;
elasticity ;
and flexibility.
As their production diminishes, the skin becomes drier, more fragile and loses its attractive bounce. Hence the appearance of wrinkles: the very first can appear as early as the thirties, although they generally remain slight at this age. But this is not the only concern, as many factors can also accelerate skin ageing by generating oxidative stress.
Free radicals are molecules produced during various biochemical reactions in the body involving an oxygen molecule. They are also known as “Reactive Oxygen Species” (ORS). These molecules are unstable. In fact, they lack an electron: an imbalance that prompts them to actively seek out another electron in the body. This can cause damage to DNA and cell membranes. Even in skin cells, which accelerates aging…
But that doesn’t mean we should demonize free radicals! In fact, these molecules have a real role to play in :
the immune defense process ;
elimination of damaged cells and bacteria harmful to the body ;
or in egg fertilization.
But as is often the case in the body, it’s all a question of balance. So, as long as the free radical / antioxidant balance is correct, all is well. On the other hand, if the production of free radicals increases, to the point of exceeding your cellular antioxidant defense lines, your body is subjected to real oxidative stress. That’s when the acceleration of skin ageing really kicks in…
To counteract this, you can, of course, stock up on antioxidants. But you can also bring the free radical / antioxidant balance back into balance by combating the factors that promote ROS production. Good to know:
overexposure to the sun’s rays ;
air pollution ;
Smoking ;
excessive alcohol consumption ;
a diet too rich in saturated fatty acids (e.g. deli meats, fried foods) ;
chronic stress and lack of sleep.
You can also combat the effects of skin aging by protecting yourself from the sun, quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol intake and practicing relaxing wellness activities such as yoga and meditation. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants is also one of your best allies.
By definition, an antioxidant is a molecule capable of defending the body’s cells against oxidation. A process for which the notorious free radicals are responsible.
Antioxidants are true cellular protectors, neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals. The good news is that many molecules fall into this category. Many of them are present in our external environment. More specifically, in our food. They include vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids and various minerals such as zinc.
But the body also naturally produces its own antioxidants to fight free radicals. These are known as endogenous antioxidants…
The body produces a number of oxidation inhibitors to protect cells. These include enzymatic antioxidants. Specifically the :
superoxide dismutase (SOD) ;
catalase (CAT) ;
glutathione peroxidase (GPx) ;
glutaredoxin (GRx).
Among other functions, these enzymes (a type of protein) neutralize free radicals, rendering them harmless. But to function, they need to combine with various other elements such as zinc, copper and selenium.
That said, non-enzymatic antioxidants are also found in the body. Namely: glutathione, coenzyme Q10, albumin, uric acid and ascorbic acid. Present in the blood, they alone account for more than ¾ of our antioxidant capacity.
Wondering how antioxidants neutralize free radicals ? Quite simply, by giving up one of their own electrons. In this way, free radicals become stable molecules again, with no danger to the body’s cells. The icing on the cake: even after losing one of their electrons, antioxidants can continue to perform their other functions in the body. Like vitamin C, for example, which not only protects cell membranes from oxidative stress, but also plays a key role in the body’s immune system:
consolidates collagen fibers, essential for keeping skin young and supple ;
to nerve transmission ;
the immune system.
By protecting skin cells from free radicals, antioxidants enable them to produce as much collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin as they are capable of. This helps to hydrate and tighten the skin, slowing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging (e.g., spots, dullness).
But antioxidants aren’t just for keeping skin young and healthy. Free radicals can damage every cell in the body, not just skin cells! By neutralizing them, antioxidants are thus also involved in preventing many age-related diseases. In particular:
cardiovascular disease ;
various cancers ;
Parkinson’s disease ;
Alzheimer’s disease ;
inflammatory diseases ;
AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) ;
cataracts.
According to INSERM, women with a diet rich in antioxidants also have a 27% lower risk of diabetes than other women. ” The risk of diabetes decreases with the level of antioxidant consumption up to a threshold of 15 mmol/day, which corresponds, for example, to diets rich in dark chocolate, tea, walnuts, prunes, blueberries, strawberries, hazelnuts etc… Beyond this threshold, the risk no longer decreases. “
It should also be noted that each antioxidant can have a specific effect. Selenium and coenzyme Q10 are particularly useful in reducing cardiac mortality, for example.
Also read: Top 5 most popular beauty salon treatments
Many natural antioxidants are found in our food. Especially in fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. But they can also be found in animal products. To help you, here’s a list of the main anti-ageing antioxidants and the foods in which you can find them in the right quantities.
Also known as retinol, vitamin A is essential for eyesight, as it helps create the rods (retinal cells) needed for vision. In addition to its anti-aging effect on the skin, it also defends the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, by activating melanin production. You’ll find it in :
certain meats (e.g. veal, chicken) ;
dairy products (e.g. butter) ;
certain oily fish (e.g. red tuna) ;
cod liver oil ;
eggs (especially the yolk) ;
Fruits and vegetables with yellow or orange flesh (e.g. carrots, tomatoes) ;
several green vegetables (e.g. spinach, kale, arugula, parsley, lettuce) ;
or dandelions.
All B vitamins are necessary for good health. Vitamin B2, in particular, promotes energy production. But we can also mention vitamin :
B1, which helps combat skin ageing ;
B3, which also has an anti-aging effect and promotes hydration ;
B5, which also contributes to hydration ;
B6 and B8, which fight impurities such as blackheads ;
B9, which promotes healing ;
B12, which prevents the formation of brown spots.
You’ll find them in :
pulses (e.g. dried beans) ;
dairy products ;
nutritional yeast ;
offal (e.g. liver) ;
green leafy vegetables (e.g. lamb’s lettuce, sorrel, watercress) ;
oleaginous fruits (e.g. walnuts) ;
shellfish (e.g. clams) ;
fatty fish (e.g. sardines) ;
raw egg yolk.
Good for the skin and the immune system, vitamin C is particularly useful for :
boosts collagen production, essential for skin elasticity ;
restore radiance to your skin ;
prevent the formation of pimples and brown spots.
You’ll find it in :
citrus fruits (e.g. lemons, oranges) ;
red fruits (e.g. acerola cherries, blackcurrants, raspberries, strawberries) ;
kiwi ;
lychee ;
guava ;
broccoli ;
peppers ;
cabbages and Brussels sprouts ;
watercress ;
parsley ;
tarragon.
In addition to its anti-aging effect, vitamin D fulfills a number of functions in our metabolism. Among other things, it is involved in hormone regulation, muscle contraction and blood coagulation.
The body is supposed to produce this vitamin naturally, thanks to skin cells. All you need is sufficient exposure to the sun. But that’s not so easy to do in autumn and winter… Which is why it’s a good idea to eat vitamin D-rich foods too. These include
Tuna ;
Salmon ;
Eggs ;
Oysters ;
And mushrooms.
Top for countering the effects of skin ageing, protecting against the sun’s rays and repairing damaged skin, vitamin E is found in :
vegetable oils ;
nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds with skin) ;
sunflower oil ;
fatty fish ;
tomatoes ;
kiwi ;
cabbage and all green leafy vegetables ;
Vitamin F (Omega 3) helps keep skin and hair healthy. But that’s not all: it also prevents atherosclerosis (cholesterol deposits in the arteries which can lead to heart problems). You’ll find it in vegetable oils such as :
Useful for blood circulation and cell renewal, vitamin K1 helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, puffiness and scars. You’ll find it in :
green vegetables (e.g. spinach, broccoli) ;
algae.
Also of interest: vitamin K2, very useful for strong bones. You’ll find it in organ meats and dairy products.
These antioxidants combat skin aging and promote a radiant complexion. They can also prevent inflammatory, cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. They are found in :
grapes ;
Srawberry ;
lychee ;
blueberries ;
bell pepper ;
apricot ;
cocoa/chocolate ;
tea.
Selenium and zinc are equally good for the skin and the immune system. Often sold as a duo in dietary supplements, they are also found naturally in a number of foods :
leafood and fish (e.g. oysters, tuna, sardines) ;
meat (e.g. lean beef, turkey, pork chop) ;
eggs ;
wholegrain cereals ;
certain spices (e.g. turmeric, cloves) ;
nuts (e.g. walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts) ;
brown rice ;
sunflower seeds ;
mushrooms.
An American method is used to assess the antioxidant potential of foods. The ORAC Index (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) represents the absorption capacity of oxygenated free radicals, expressed in units per 100 grams. The higher this index, the richer the food is in antioxidants. The verdict ? According to the ORAC index, the foods richest in antioxidants are :
lred fruits (e.g. strawberry, raspberry, cherry, cranberry) with 4,000 ORAC units per 100 g ;
Cabbage (e.g. broccoli, brussels sprouts) with an index of 3000 units per 100 g ;
Granny apple (3800) ;
green tea (1,300).
Other sources include chocolate (20,000 units per 100 g) and turmeric (120,000 units per 100 g). Bear in mind, however, that we rarely consume 100 g of turmeric in a day…
Can antioxidants help you fight skin aging ? Does this mean you should overdo it ? No.
If deficiencies are bad for your health, so are excesses. Regular consumption of high doses of vitamin A, for example, can lead to liver damage. You should also know that a healthy, diversified diet should normally provide you with all the nutrients you need for your skin.
It’s also one of the keys to :
Food supplements are only really useful in cases of actual or potential deficiency. This includes supplements of natural origin, sold through phytotherapy. If you still wish to use them, it is advisable to speak to your doctor first.
Antioxidants are the best way to keep your skin looking younger for longer! But there are other rejuvenation solutions to rejuvenate the face without surgery. Like the BodySculptor lifting mask, for example.
With its low-intensity magnetic field, it gently stimulates the skin muscles of the face, neck and décolleté. All without pain or unpleasant muscle contractions. The results ? The skin is firmer, the oval of the face is refined, the double chin is smoothed out and the décolleté is smoothed.
Easy to install, you can use it at home while watching TV, cooking, reading…To optimize its results, you can even combine it with OsmoSculpt® Anti-Aging Hydrogel. By deeply moisturizing the skin and stimulating collagen renewal, it helps you regain smoother, more beautiful skin in just a few weeks.
BodySculptor® Mask, the first triple-action anti-ageing mask for your face, neck and décolletage. Visible, measured and proven results in just a few weeks. A more refined face, eliminating double chins and sagging, while achieving smoother and firmer skin on the neck and décolletage.
