Antioxidants are substances that protect a person from active forms of oxygen, as well as free radicals. They get into the body, usually with food. Due to its properties, it is possible to find antioxidants in cosmetics.
The fact that antioxidants have a rejuvenating effect is not proven. They rather protect the cosmetics themselves from oxidative processes in the air. More antioxidants have larger molecules and can not enter the body through the skin. Direct application of these substances on the skin also does not stop the aging process, since they must get into the body from the inside.
It has already been proven that antioxidants have a healing effect, relieve inflammation and create a barrier to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the ideal means with the use of these substances are after shave creams, sunscreens, emollients that are applied to the skin after peeling.
The most famous antioxidants used in cosmetics are: coenzyme Q10, selenium, vitamins such as A, C, E, F, lipoic acid, carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotene), bioflavonoids.
Vitamin C (otherwise - ascorbic acid) - this antioxidant dissolves in water. Its presence in cosmetics is designed to protect the skin from the effects of ultraviolet light, speeds up the healing process of wounds, enhances the production of collagen in the skin, slows down aging.
Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) - is dissolved in fats. Another name for this vitamin is the vitamin of youth. One of the most valuable sources of this vitamin is wheat germ oil, which is often added to cosmetics. Contains this vitamin in vegetable oils, which were obtained by cold squeezing, in cereals and sprouted grains.
Carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene, retinol, etc.) also dissolve in fats. These substances accelerate the healing of wounds, protect the skin from ultraviolet, eliminate dryness and peeling of the skin. They are contained in orange and red pigments of plants. They are rich in oils and oil extracts of sea-buckthorn, carrots, dogrose, also can be found in palm oil.
Bioflavonoids (plant polyphenols), their other name - phytoestrogens, because they are structurally similar to human estrogens, only they are of plant origin. They are contained in the blue, as well as the green pigments of plants. Phytoestrogens of a certain type can almost always be found in water extracts of herbs.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
This enzyme neutralizes active forms of oxygen. In cosmetic preparations, SODs of plant, animal or microbial origin are used. This enzyme can be found in the following plants: green tea, witch hazel, sea buckthorn, horse chestnut, ginkgo biloba, etc.
Coenzyme Q
This molecule helps to generate energy in the mitochondria (energy cells of the cell), has antioxidant properties, and also protects against oxidative damage to the mitochondria. This molecule is added to anti-aging cosmetics.
Vitamin F is a combination of unsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic, linoleic, linolenic), which is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetic products that are intended for nutrition, skin cleansing, especially if the skin is irritated, dry, with obvious signs of wilting. At a concentration of 3-7%, this vitamin helps to strengthen the protective functions of the epidermis, restore the hydrolipid balance, and therefore the skin is moistened, and its elasticity increases.
Panthenol (vitamin B5) - has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. It is added to the funds that are designed to care for inflamed and irritated skin, including after cosmetic procedures. It is also a component of shampoos and balms for hair, children's and sunscreen creams, etc.
Selenium is a substance necessary for the work of glutathione peroxidase. In the cosmetics often add thermal water, which contains selenium or complexes of selenium with cysteine and methionine. Such remedies soothe and moisturize the skin, eliminate irritation.