Antioxidants and What They Can Do For Your Skin

It’s the age of the antioxidant. It seems a day doesn’t go by without us hearing about the remarkable potential of antioxidants to scavenge free radicals that can cause cell damage. Evidence is accumulating that applying certain antioxidants to the skin surface can decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles associated with aging as well as prevent new ones. There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding antioxidants for skin with cosmetic companies claiming their products reduce the signs of aging when they actually don’t. In this confusing world of skin creams and anti-aging claims, which topical antioxidants actually work? Here’s the low down on antioxidants that may reduce the signs of aging:

Antioxidants for skin: Grape Seed

There are a variety of cosmetic products which incorporate grape seed into their skin care formulations including Lancome’s VineFit Cool Gel. Grape seed is a rich source of proanthocyanidins which are strong free radical scavengers that can reduce damage to cells of the body. Studies in rodents have shown that when grapeseed extract is applied to the skin, it helps to promote wound healing. Another study showed that mice given grape seed extract had significantly fewer skin tumors. This suggests that grape seed may be exerting its antioxidant effect in these mice since free radical formation is thought to play a role in the development of skin tumors. There’s also evidence that grape seed may reduce the breakdown of collagen with aging and reduce the pigmentation of sun related skin lesions.

Analysis:

The verdict is still out as to whether grape seed can actually reduce the visible signs of aging, although many dermatologists believe that it does have a positive impact on the appearance of photoaging skin. It would make sense that grape seed with its strong ability to destroy free radicals might have positive effects on aging skin damaged by sun exposure.

Antioxidants for skin: Green Tea

A variety of studies have supported green tea’s role in preventing the development of skin cancers related to sun exposure when applied to the skin surface. It’s thought to exert this protective effect secondary to its antioxidant properties as well as its ability to reduce inflammation. A topical green tea cream was shown in a study to improve levels of elastin in the skin which should have a positive impact on the progression of aging. Whether or not it can actually reverse skin aging is still unknown. It also appears to have some effect on lightening areas pigmented by overexposure to the sun.

Analysis:

Green tea does appear to have some ability to even out skin pigmentation, protect against sun damage, and, possibly, reduce the appearance of wrinkles. There are a variety of skin creams available that have green tea as a component. Make sure you’re getting a cream with a high concentration of the green tea components.

Antioxidants for skin: Soy

Studies done on hairless mice treated with a soy extract were exposed to sunlight. The mice that were given the soy extract experienced less wrinkling, higher collagen levels, and a better skin appearance than the group who were not given soy extract. There’s also evidence that topical application of soy may reduce skin pigmentation due to sun damage.

Analysis:

Topical application of soy does appear to have some ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as even out the skin tone. One cream that has soy as a component is Fresh Soy Formula Face Cream.

Other antioxidants for skin that appear to hold some promise in preventing and reversing the signs of skin aging include olive oil, milk thistle, and lycopene found in tomatoes. More studies will be needed to confirm whether or not these antioxidants are effective on human skin. Other antioxidants for skin that have been shown to have some ability to protect the skin against the ravages of aging include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme, and others.

The Importance of Exercise in the Anti-Aging Process

“Use it or lose it.” That adage has never been truer than where exercise and aging are concerned. Maintaining a regular exercise program is essential to long-term well-being and resistance to age-related conditions.

Quality of life is just as important as quantity: there’s little point in living to a ripe old age if you’re unable to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to because of ill-health or immobility. And it’s not just activities and holidays in the retirement years that concern us as we grow older. Maintaining one’s independence as we age is highly valued; no one wants to have to rely on others for those tasks that they’ve always been able to carry out for themselves.

And that’s why regular exercise is so important in the anti-aging process. As well as helping to keep our weight within a healthy range as our metabolism slows with age, exercise is important in keeping our bodies fit enough to combat some of the problems commonly associated with aging. For example, as we age, we lose muscle tone and strength. There’s also the increased risk of our posture being affected by muscle deterioration leading to back pain. Exercise can help limit that loss, and also help guard against any deterioration in muscle tone and strength. Staying strong and flexible is important as we age to reduce our risk of falling and breaking bones.

A number of ailments associated with aging such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can all be countered with regular exercise and by keeping as mobile as possible. Medical research has shown that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. And exercise can also help manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. We should consider regular exercise as a form of insurance against aging. It doesn’t have to be frantic and high-impact exercise either; and it doesn’t have to be carried out in a gym or fitness center. A brisk 20-minute walk daily is sufficient to make a difference. As well as walking, cleaning the house is good exercise; and carrying groceries is a good strength-building activity to help build and maintain bone density. It’s usually those individuals who adopt regular exercise as part of their daily routine—be it walking the dog or grocery shopping on foot—who manage to remain independent, mobile, and active for longer as they age.

Most people know that gaining weight can be a potential problem as they age. Once we reach middle age, we develop what’s commonly known as “middle age spread.” A slowing of the metabolism, muscle mass being converted to fat, and decreased physical activity all contribute to weight gain at this time in life. Remaining active in sport, walking, cycling or some other regular form of exercise will help maintain a healthy weight.

The stress we experience in life can increase as we age. Aging is about change, and change sometimes involves loss and the need to adapt, which can in turn lead to increased stress. Exercise can help control our stress levels and if we’re mentally fit then we’re more able to deal with loss and change. Exercise is also great for lifting one’s mood and studies have shown that it can improve mood temporarily in depressed individuals. The feel-good endorphins released after a work-out are good for combating stress; that’s why most people speak of a post-exercise rush they experience after working out. And exercises and activities that require any form of learning will also exercise the mind and memory capacity.

Regular exercise will also help with sleeping which might be affected as we age due to medical conditions or poor sleep habits we’ve picked up along the way.

Being able to participate in activities and exercises increases one’s confidence. Knowing that your body can still do the things you want it to do as you age will increase your self-confidence and stand you in a better position to deal with what life continues to send your way.

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