Antioxidants. Free radicals. These are terms you’ve probably seen on beauty product labels or heard during discussions about moisturizers. You most likely look for those terms when filling up your grocery cart. 

To better understand the antioxidants' role as an effective tool to address the signs of aging, we need to look at oxidative stress and the role of free radicals.

Free radicals & oxidative stress

As part of the body's metabolic processes, oxygen molecules split into single atoms, so they end up with unpaired electrons, making them unstable. These unstable free radicals scavenge through the body to steal a partner from an already paired atom. This leaves a new free radical that needs to find a paired electron, setting off a chain of free radicals.

Unchecked, these free radicals wreak havoc in the body, leaving tissues and cells damaged. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, oxidative stress occurs. Oxidative stress is associated with everything from aging to almost all chronic diseases.

And for your skin, an imbalance of free radicals causes the appearance of premature aging, something none of us want.

What causes free radicals?

Free radicals are a natural byproduct of metabolic processes like breathing. However, certain lifestyle or environmental factors can take free radicals from a natural occurrence to an out-of-control problem with serious health consequences.

Factors that lead to excess free radicals and oxidative stress include:

♦ Overeating. Avoid excess calories and sugar

♦ Too little (or too much) exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, but not over 60 minutes per day.

♦ Alcohol. Limit wine, beer, and hard liquor, linked to oxidative stress

♦ Tobacco. Stay away from smoke, which is also linked to oxidative stress.

♦ Excess stress. Manage and reduce stress, which increases cortisol and free radicals

♦ Sun. Restrict exposure to UV rays and other forms of radiation.

Antioxidants: Superheroes fighting free radicals

While you can’t avoid free radicals, antioxidants go a long way in protecting the body from the damage caused by out-of-control free radicals. In simple terms, antioxidants donate electrons to unpaired free radicals, so they don’t move through the body stealing electrons from other atoms.

While making sure to include plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet can control oxidative stress, you can also look for beauty products with antioxidants to fight the effects of free radicals on the appearance of your skin. 

Remember, free radicals cause cellular damage to the DNA, speeding up signs of aging such as wrinkles, dry skin, under-eye circles, and a loss of elasticity in the skin. Look for the following six must-have ingredients to combat free-radical damage.

The best anti-aging antioxidants

♦ Retinol. Also known as Vitamin A, retinol is a power player in skincare, restoring skin’s visible resilience, tone, and texture. If you want to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this is the ingredient to look for.

♦ Green tea extract. The antioxidants in green tea are known as catechins. Applied topically, green tea extract can reduce visible signs of damage by fighting free radicals and inflammation.

♦ Chamomile extract. This floral extract contains numerous chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chamomile also has antiseptic, antibacterial, and soothing qualities.

♦ Aloe vera. This botanical is rich in antioxidants that can help restore the visible firmness and glow of your skin’s complexion.

♦ Vitamin E. Also known as tocopherol, this antioxidant boosts the production of collagen, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.

♦ Olive leaf extract. This ingredient extracted from olive leaves is rich in antioxidants, including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol.

The Simple Beauty Trio

Simple Beauty believes everybody should have access to honest, effortless, toxin- and additive-free skincare solutions. We’ve found a way to include everything you need to cleanse, nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin against free-radical damage, all in one package.

The Simple Beauty Trio includes the best antioxidant ingredients in one complete system, so you don’t have to worry whether or not you’re covered. You will be! All three of the products contain the gorgeous skin-boosting aloe vera, chamomile, olive leaf extract, and green tea extract. 

The Age-Defying Retinol Moisturizer helps to combat those visible signs of aging by encouraging collagen production. A little dab of the Fine Line Eye Serum will go along way, with the help of protein peptides, to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. And the Daily Purifying Cleanser is the perfect way to end the day by washing away impurities, excess oils, and everyday elements that can damage your skin in the long run. 

To put it simply

Antioxidants are a crucial component of an effective skincare regimen by protecting your skin from the visible effects of free radical damage and oxidative stress, which are behind many signs of premature aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and sagging skin.

Formulated to cleanse, hydrate, and protect your skin with powerful antioxidants found in retinol, aloe vera, chamomile flower, and olive leaf extracts, Simple Beauty Trio is a perfect addition to your beauty regimen.

With consistent use, along with a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, the antioxidants will help to restore moisture to your skin and replenishing youthfulness and tone for a healthy, vibrant, and lasting glow.