Antioxidants stop free radicals from wreaking havoc on our skin and defend against pollution and environmental stressors, making them an essential part of any skincare formula.

Free Radicals are unstable molecules. Because they have only one electron instead of two, they are highly reactive when they come into contact with oxygen, and this damages parts of cells, such as proteins, DNA and cell membranes.

However, for our bodies to burn energy, oxidation reactions (or redox reactions) in the mitochondria of cells release damaging free radicals.

Although free radicals are synthesised naturally in the body, their concentration is increased when exposed to UV and air pollution, causing our cells to lose structure and resulting in skin aging, which is where antioxidants come in.

Antioxidants play a huge part in fighting free radicals. By giving an extra electron to the free radical molecules, antioxidants neutralise the free radicals and stop the skin-damaging chain reaction from occurring.

The body neutralises free radicals naturally via its cell self-defence system – or with assistance through a diet high in vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids.

However, when it comes to free radical damage caused by exposure to sun, smoke and pollution, our skin needs a helping hand.

Keeping antioxidants stable in skincare

Many studies and research support the use of antioxidants in topical applications. The problem has been, until recently, the ability to keep antioxidants from deteriorating in cosmetic formulas.

Packaging, such as metal tubes or dark brown, blue or opaque containers, can stop your formula from being exposed to light – and halt rapid antioxidant breakdown. Trulux offers a range of packaging to protect your products, including the state-of-the-art “Airless” system.

Designed specifically for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical markets, the revolutionary airless system prevents air from penetrating your formula, helping to protect sensitive ingredients from deteriorating (retinol, vitamin C, and other antioxidants). It ensures your product is as fresh the day it is applied to the skin as it was made.

5 Benefits of antioxidants

1. Our skin takes a beating every day from environmental stressors, which can result in skin looking dull, lined and saggy. Topically applied antioxidants such as Superox-C, an active botanical ingredient extracted from native Australian Kakadu plum) can fight free radical-induced skin ageing caused by UV and environmental pollution.
2. To slow the skin’s surface from depleting, causing it to lose firmness, add omega-centric antioxidants to your formulas, such as flaxseed oil, linoleic acid and almond oil. For a potent boost of antioxidants, use together with encapsulated retinol.
3. Vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid, can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and brighten a dull complexion.
4. Calm inflamed, or irritated skin with antioxidants that have soothing properties, such as green tea, chamomile and beta-glucan.
5. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant in the body that helps cells grow. When natural levels of this antioxidant drop, it’s thought to contribute to skin ageing. Adding Coenzyme Q10 to your formula can minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

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