First of all, anti-oxidants can be found all around us in nature and in the foods we eat. Fish oils, nuts, wheat germ, brown rice, fruits, all citrus fruits, mangos, kiwi, and strawberries; green vegetables such as green peppers, cabbage, spinach and broccoli amongst many others are a rich source of anti-oxidants.



Anti-oxidants are vital in stopping and even reversing free-radical damage in the body and the skin.

What is a free-radical? You will be pleased to know that it's not some freedom fighter in a sci-fi movie. Rather free-radicals are oxygen molecules in our body that have lost one of their two electrons. As they must have two of these electrons, the oxygen molecule must go and find one, which usually means it will steal one from it's fellow oxygen molecule. This poor molecule now has to go and find one for itself too, creating a chain reaction of molecules looking for electrons therefore they are called free-radicals. While they are engaged in this war for electrons, they are creating considerable damage called Free-radical damage. The simplest way of describing this damage is what happens to an apple when it has been cut. The flesh goes brown - oxidises or rusts. This is free-radical damage. There are several reasons this happens. Stress, alcohol, smoking, sunlight and pollution all contribute to free-radical damage.

And the way we stop it, is with anti-oxidants. These prevent the oxygen molecules that have lost one of their electrons to steel one back from another oxygen molecule, therefore arresting the free-radical molecule in its tracks before it can do much damage.

This is where it gets really interesting for us. Wrinkles and sun damaged skin is the result of free-radical damage. So if anti-oxidants can stop this damage and even reverse it, all we need to do is lather ourselves in anti-oxidants and we'll all look like twenty year olds again. Not so fast.

Unfortunately not all is known and understood about this seemingly miracle ingredient and exactly how it works. Studies are being undertaken to determine the effects of topical applications of anti-oxidants in creams and lotions and also the quantities of active ingredients required to make a difference to the skin.

Also it is important to note that free-radical damage is continuos. Sometimes it can go on for years before you might notice any damage to the skin (eg: skin cancer). Therefore it would be unreasonable to expect to apply an anti-oxidant rich moisturiser or lotion and see results in a few weeks. It is a protection that we need to apply continuously to combat the ongoing damage to our skin.

Scientists believe that if we can slow the effects of free-radical damage it is best done by anti-oxidants. So it is up to us to get as much anti-oxidants in our body as possible, both from our diet and also our skincare. We have always been told to eat our fresh fruit and vegies, now there is an extra reason to do this. It's good for your skin.

Some excellent anti oxidant products on the market:

1. Mario Badescu Honey Moisturiser $65.00
2. Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel $70.00
3. Dr LeWinns Triple Action Day Defense $89.95
4. Jan Marini Skin Research Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant - Now with PhytoMelanin™ SPF 30, $76.00