Skincare Ingredients to Combat Free Radicals
Before we dive into explaining the best ways to reduce free radical damage to your skin, let’s take a brief trip back to chemistry class to review what free radicals are and why they are harmful.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells. Instability is produced by absent electrons from their outer shells. To stabilize themselves, free radicals try to bond to other atoms or molecules. This process results in oxidative stress, causing damage to your cells and DNA. Oxidative stress weakens tissues and cells, leaving your body vulnerable to free radical damage.
The body naturally produces free radicals, but outside sources like pollution are major contributing factors to the damage they can cause. Pollutants such as smog, dust, smoke, household cleaners, and pesticides are among the leading harmful substances that cause free radical damage to the skin. In addition, daily exposure to UVA and UVB rays can wreak havoc on your skin and other cells.
Top Natural Skincare Ingredients to Reduce Free Radicals
Your largest organ is your skin, which makes it the most vulnerable to free radical damage. Luckily, luxury skincare products high in antioxidants can be your greatest weapon and armor in fighting off the harmful effects. Look for skincare serums that incorporate some of the following natural skincare ingredients to reduce the impact of free radicals.
CBD
CBD naturally contains antioxidant properties that can restore the skin’s integrity and barrier function in many ways. It semi-shields your complexion from over-exposure to daily sunlight which causes inflammation in the skin, as well as the constant bombardment of pollutants. The properties in CBD can help decrease the skin’s inflammatory cascade and help bolster the repair of damage that’s being done.
To learn more about the power of CBD for your skin, read CBD Facials - Benefits, Tips & Products.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it fights harmful free radicals that your skin encounters from external sources like air pollution and from inside the body resulting from normal processes like your metabolism. Applied topically, Vitamin C serums can slow down signs of aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the skin’s overall appearance by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
To learn more, read Compare Skin Care Ingredients: Vitamin C, Squalane, Marula Oil & More.
Grape Seed Oil
Rich in Vitamin E, linoleic acid, and omegas, grape seed oil contains powerful antioxidants, making it ideal for nourishing and protecting the skin from free radical damage. This lightweight oil, extracted from the seeds of grapes, penetrates the skin quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and moisturized. Largely known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, grape seed oil combats environmental stressors such as UV radiation and air pollution. Suitable for all skin types, this healing oil assists in lightening dark circles, fading scars, tightening skin, and preventing future sun damage.
A Skincare Elixir With CBD, Vitamin C and Grape Seed Oil to Reduce Free Radical Damage
Reduce free radical damage with the natural healing skin care ingredients found in our Vitamin C & CBD Skin Elixir. Benefits of this antioxidant-rich serum include brightening skin, targeting dark spots, and reducing signs of aging.
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Other Natural Skincare Ingredients to Reduce Free Radicals
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant. Including strong antioxidant properties, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial effects that can protect cells from free radical damage. Tea tree oil is also known for keeping the skin from drying out and soothing irritation caused by pimples, along with reducing psoriasis and decreasing fungal growth that contributes to acne.
Aloe
Used for centuries as a wound and burn healer, aloe vera also contains pollution-fighting components due to its antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe is a useful component in skin care products because it reduces oxidative stress created by pollution-generated free radicals. It also activates the body’s detoxification system and restores immune suppression caused by UVB rays.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, known for its ability to hold water and keep the skin hydrated and plump. Well-hydrated skin has a higher defense against free radical damage and other environmental stressors. Rich in antioxidants, hyaluronic acid helps scavenge your body for free radicals and protects cells from oxidative stress. Commonly used in anti-aging skincare products, results of regular use include smoothing of wrinkles, increased collagen production, and hydration.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Just as important as what you put on your skin is what you put inside your body. Adding foods that are rich in antioxidants is essential to maintaining overall health and will show in the quality of your skin. Spinach, blueberries, beets, and red cabbage are all packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and minerals. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash contain carotenoids that are beneficial for counteracting free radical damage. Other options to include in your diet are green tea, cacao, and dark chocolate, all containing very high concentrations of antioxidants that assist the body in combatting the negative effects of free radicals.
Shop for Natural Skincare with Botanika Life
Botanika Life provides luxury skincare products with natural ingredients that combat harmful pollutants and toxic irritants to your skin. Our elixirs and vegan beauty products incorporate nutrient-rich plants, and organically-grown hemp. Antioxidant-rich ingredients like full-spectrum CBD, Vitamin C, aloe, and grapeseed oil are used in products to permeate the skin’s surface for lasting results.
Explore our CBD-based skincare line to find elixirs that can help reduce free radical damage, infuse your complexion with hydration, and combat visible signs of aging.
By Emily Wegener
With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.
