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What Do Antioxidants Really Do For Your Skin?

Other than making your face look phenomenal.

Confused by antioxidants? Us too. Here's what they can do to up your skincare game.

We're going to take a wild guess here and say that you don’t really know what antioxidants are. (Hey, no judgement—we only found out an hour ago.) Sure, you know that they’re good for you (maybe?), and that they’re in most of your skincare products (probably?), but do you know why you’re slathering them on your face?

Antioxidants are the hardest-working skin-care ingredients in the game. Not only do they fight against free radicals (we'll get to them in a second) to promote a brighter, more even complexion, they’re also the MVPs at nixing fine lines and keeping skin looking fresh. So much so that you'll struggle to find a single dermatologist who won't sing antioxidants’ praises, saying that they’re a must for every single person’s skin-care regimen.

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If (like us an hour ago) you found yourself nodding along there as if you knew what on earth free radicals are, allow us to help. Free radicals come from sources like pollution and cigarette smoke, and they alter normal bonds with your skin cells that actually damage your skin by clinging to your collagen and weakening elasticity. Think of it like the oxidation of a sliced apple: It starts to brown after it’s been exposed to the air for a little while, but it’ll stay its original colour for far longer if treated with lemon juice (which is full of an antioxidant better known as vitamin C). So when it comes to your skin, antioxidants swoop in and neutralise free radicals to halt the process. But that’s not all: Some antioxidants also brighten your skin, calm irritation, and even smooth fine lines—as long as you choose the right ones. 

Common antioxidants include compounds such as vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, Idebenone, zinc, copper and beta-carotene, but the list is endless – there are millions of them, with so many different functions. 

While we are (obviously) firm believers in high-quality skincare, it is important to supply your body with the nutrients it needs. Cue Nature's Bounty. 

Fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, thinning skin, weak and dull hair, and splitting nails are some of the signs of environmental damage (read: free radicals) we are subject to every day. By incorporating a daily supplement into your beauty routine, it helps fight against free radicals thus leading to healthier, brighter and plumper skin – not to mention thicker hair and stronger nails. 

Nature's Bounty Beauty Complex with Biotin food supplement is a complete formula, specially designed with the nutrients required for healthy hair, skin and nails. The formula contains a wide range of antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and Zinc) to fight free radicals within the body and protect against oxidative stress. The formula also includes a range of other beauty nutrients including biotin and selenium which are designed to effectively maintain hair, skin, and nail health. Oh, and they're suitable for vegetarians too! For adults, simply take two caplets daily, preferably with a meal and voila! glowing skin.

Beauty Complex with Biotin, €14.29, Nature's Bounty

Dedicated to complementing your beauty regime, Nature’s Bounty supplements are overseen by their team of scientists, manufacturing specialists and quality experts meaning each product meets the highest quality standards. Available at independent health food stores, pharmacies nationwide and online. Find your nearest store, here.

Visit Naturesbounty.co.uk or follow Nature’s Bounty on Instagram for more info

Main image by Helena Sollie 

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