Healthy-skin breakthroughs - 3

the skin protectors

Antioxidants are skin’s security guards. These minerals, extracts or vitamins can prevent free radicals—molecules that break down collagen—from damaging skin. Most derms say incorporating them into your routine can help skin stay healthy.

Why they’re breakthrough Antioxidants probably won’t make you look younger—at least right now. But they may prevent future wrinkles. When exposed to pollution, smoke and sun, the body releases fee radicals tha weaken collagen causing wrinkles. Sun-induced free radicals damage cells’ DNA, which can lead to skin cancer.

There’s no shortage of studies that show antioxidants’ protective abilities. But some dermatologists believe they can have trouble penetrating the skin, and creams might not have a high enough concentration to do much good. Also, exposure to light and air can weaken these ingredients. For these reasons, finding the best antioxidant bang for your buck can be difficult.

Get breakthrough result To increase your odds of achieving real benefits, choose a product that contains the antioxidants that have fared best in research: Studies have shown that green tea and vitamin C (when combined with vitamin E) may prevent the formation of cancer-causing cells or destroy them. Another study found that coenzyme Q10 protected cells from damage.

Meanwhile, buy a daytime moisturizer or sunscreen with antioxidants instead of spending on a separate serum. Look for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and E (tocopheryl) or coenzyme Q10. Though you can’t tell if ingredients are stable, choosing a light-proof package (not clear glass or plastic) improves the chances. Try Aveda Dual Nature Face Protection SPF 15 with C and E, or Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer. When it comes to green tea, choose a brown-tinted formula such as Replenix Cream; color is a tip-off that a product likely has enough tea to fight free radicals. Apply products in the morning, before you come in contact with sunlight.

The newest buzzed-about antioxidant is idebenone (found in Prevage). One unpublished manufacturer-sponsored study shows that it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants available. But some derms like Drs. Hirsch and Farris are waiting to pass judgment until more independent research is done.

Ref: self