Young Looking Tips
In the battle against ageing, free radicals and antioxidants are pitched on opposite

sides. Free radicals are molecules that cause the skin to age and anti-oxidants kill free radicals.
Therefore, you fight age best when well armed with anti-oxidants.
They are found in fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, poultry and fish. Anti-oxidants are also widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements. In addition, many skincare products and services use anti-oxidants.
Green tea is good for your heels
The next time you shop for creams and lotions keep an eye out for those that contain this magic ingredient.
How do I spot an antioxidant, I hear you ask. I am going to list some of the most commonly used ones right here and how they fight age. The choice is yours.
1. Vitamin E
This is the major fat-soluble anti-oxidant in the body. The sun-protective and ant wrinkling effect of Vitamin E has been studied extensively, a common ingredient in

night creams and other antiageing products.
2. Vitamin C
Fat-soluble and more stable than Vitamin E, Vitamin C is a common ingredient in antiageing creams. Almost all products in Pond’s Age Miracle range contain this vitamin.
Apart from fighting free radicals, Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen— a protein that gives skins its elasticity.
3. Coenzyme Q10
It is found in the skin along with vitamins A, C and E. Coenzyme Q10, used increasingly in cosmetic products is known to be a skin repairer and energizer, age fighter and an anti-wrinkling agent. The synthetic Coenzyme Q10 analogue idebenone has been investigated extensively over the past two decades. Its antioxidant and other health benefits are well established.
4. Niacin amide or Vitamin B3
The use of niacin amide as topical agent is being studied extensively. It has been found to have numerous skincare benefits that include increased collagen synthesis, reduction in dark spots and controlling sebum excretion and pore sizes. Olay Total Effects anti-ageing moisturizer contains niacin amide.
5. Vitamin A
Otherwise known as retinol, this is an active ingredient in night creams. It has been shown to smooth fine lines and reduce wrinkles and age spots. Vichy’s Reti C and Janssen’s Retino A are some OTC topical applications packed with the power of A.
In addition, there are natural sources of anti-oxidants. These contain a wide variety of falconoid that demonstrate anti-oxidant properties.
GREEN TEA: There are more than 100 studies that prove the positive effects of

green tea on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and wound-healing effects.
SOYABEAN Dietary Soya has been known for centuries to provide nutritional and health benefits. It has been reported that isoflavones in Soya possess phytoestrogenic properties that may play a role in maintaining the health of the skin of menopausal women. Specific protein components in soybeans enable pigment reduction. It also inhibits ultraviolet light induced skin cancer, ageing and photo-ageing.
OLIVE OIL: Contains a variety of potent compounds including the alpha form of Vitamin E which is a potent anti-oxidant. It is used as an ingredient in many skincare formulations. Massaging your face with it keeps skin supple and young.
ALOE VERA: This is probably the most widely used botanical additive to soothe the skin. The reported benefits of Aloe Vera include increased blood flow, reduced inflammation, decreased skin bacteria and faster wound healing. In most skin preparations Aloe Vera is added as a powder. It should be present at a concentration of 10% to be effective.
The regular application of skincare products containing anti-oxidants saves your skin from ageing prematurely. Along with this, use a sunscreen containing antioxidant vitamins and a high sun protection factor (SPF), preferably 30 and above. Vitamins A, C and E, protect skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV light. Arm yourself with these and your arsenal is complete.