What Are Antioxidants?

If you’re like me, you have probably seen the word antioxidants pop up everywhere lately. Found in everything from wine to coffee and even making its way into skincare and cosmetics, what exactly are these special substances? 

The truth is that antioxidants remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents and actually prohibit or prevent free radicals from doing harm to our health by way of illness and chronic diseases. They are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, and when you maintain continual supply they can help provide added protection against heart problems, eye issues, memory and mood disorders, and even immune system deficiencies. Pretty powerful!

Because antioxidants can make such a positive impact, I try to boost my intake however possible. Thanks to their added buzz, there are lots of easy ways to get the job done. Here are a few of my favorite options for adding extra antioxidants into my routine, both topically and internally:

Moisturizer

Vital Defense is not only full of anti-oxidants, but is also an anti-pollution moisturizer. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and co-enzyme Q-10, as well as organic myrtle extract. When applied, it protects the skin from aging, environmental pollution, and free radical damage to help it recover its original radiance. What’s more, it has a vitalizing citrus scent that gives you an instant revitalizing boost of energy. This anti-oxidant moisturizer is a must for people who work outside or are active outdoors.

Lipstick

Several lip brands are beginning to add reservatrol into their mix and I absolutely love it. Not only does this powerful antioxidant protect against sun damage, but it improves collagen formation and it reduces cell damage. Thanks to constant pursing and a very expressive mouth in general, my lips have lost a lot of elasticity and firmness. Using a lipstick with reservatrol means that I am able to enjoy some skincare benefits from my favorite pop of color.

Coffee

It turns out that my go-to vice is a bit of a wonder-drug. While too much coffee can have its downsides, it’s also chock full of disease-fighting antioxidants. Some studies have shown that coffee may actually prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. That means that my daily medium iced coffee is actually as good for my health as it is for my perky, positive attitude and morning motivation. Music to my ears!

Nuts

I am a fairly obsessive snacker. Not one to settle on three square meals a day, I tend to graze from morning to night, and nuts (almonds, walnuts and pistachios are my preference) are the easiest to grab and go. Almonds boast Vitamin E which lowers heart disease risk, walnuts boost your body’s level of cancer-fighting antioxidants, and pistachios have strong anti-inflammatory properties called flavonoids. They are also great for your skin. Yum!

I bet if you take a peek into your skincare routine or your diet, you’ll be pleased to find some antioxidants in the mix. As always, I would love to hear your favorite way to get these added benefits if there’s something that I’m missing! Let me know in the comments below…