Protect Your Skin Against Aging

By Lana May, LME, CMT, NCTNB

Esprit Vital, LLC

. http://www.espritvital.com/

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Protect Your Skin Against Aging

Your skin battles pollutants and toxins in the environment daily. Excessive exposure to internal and external toxins over time leads to prematurely aging skin. What can you do to help reduce the impact of these pollutants on your complexion?

The research is clear. Antioxidants are superior in their ability to protect the skin from aging because of their potency and power to fight free radical damage to skin cells. Antioxidants also combat UV radiation and UV damage which are often responsible for the visible and hidden signs of aging.

Applying antioxidants topically to the skin is a very effective way to deliver maximum anti-aging benefits while also stimulating cellular repair and healing. One of the best antioxidants for skin rejuvenation and slowing down the signs of aging is retinol. Retinol, also commonly known as vitamin A, has a long established reputation as a powerful ingredient in skin care products.

Retinol has a multitude of benefits for the skin. It helps to normalize the skin, clears up breakouts and acne, reduces brown spots, and diminishes discoloration while stimulating the production of collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant to look for in a moisturizer or sunscreen. It helps diminish dryness and aids your skin in maintaining proper moisture balance. Vitamin E is excellent to help calm and hydrate sensitive skin. It also protects the cell membrane against mutations from too much sun exposure or being exposed to pollution.

Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants to use topically for anti-aging. In addition, it also protects other vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin E, from oxidation. Vitamin C is great at defending skin cells from UV damage, reducing inflammation and loss of elasticity. Vitamin C is a powerful skin brightener and effectively diminishes hyperpigmentation and discoloration in the skin often caused by sun damage.

But one of the most powerful functions of vitamin C is its role in the production and formation of collagen. Applying vitamin C topically can increase collagen production while helping to maintain the tone and elasticity of the skin. Without vitamin C the process of collagen formation is disrupted.

Using one antioxidant or vitamin alone isn't enough to slow down the skin aging process. Combining antioxidants and vitamins together can deliver more powerful results. Many serums, moisturizers and sunscreens formulated with more than one antioxidant are the most effective for stimulating the cellular renewal process for maximum skin rejuvenation.

The goal is clear. Take a preventative approach and protect your skin against premature aging by using skin products with antioxidants for the most effective anti-aging results.