Antioxidants are your body's protectors. Maybe that's a bit simplistic, but that's the bottom line. They are good substances that fight dangerous free radicals every day, particles that can do a lot of damage in your body.
Such free radicals are caused, for example, by excessive alcohol consumption, radiation from the sun, pollution, stress or smoking. When you have a shortage of antioxidants, the free radicals get free rein and affect the healthy cells in your body.
The consequence? You can become seriously ill because these harmful substances play a role in cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and a lot of other diseases. But… they also affect your skin.
Antioxidants and the skin
I've talked about the benefits of antioxidants for the body on the blog before. However, there is one aspect that I have not fully addressed yet: the influence of antioxidants on the skin.
Free radicals not only lead to numerous diseases in the long term… they also contribute to skin aging ! They affect the connective tissue, making the skin less elastic after a while and even wrinkles. It is therefore important that you get a good portion of antioxidants every day so that they protect your skin and the aggressive particles don't stand a chance.
Protect your skin inside and out
Your skin is your largest organ, so you should take good care of it. Your skin naturally already contains antioxidants, but all kinds of harmful factors (such as the sun) increase the number of free radicals. Then that natural supply of antioxidants is no longer sufficient. In addition, the amount of antioxidants also decreases with age ... which also explains why you get less elastic skin later in life.
Fortunately, you can do something about it yourself! You can supplement your deficiency in 2 ways (they reinforce each other): through food with an antioxidant effect or through the right skin care that is enriched with antioxidants.
Antioxidant nutrition
Certain nutrients are real antioxidant bombs, these products are part of a healthy lifestyle. The word 'antioxidants' is actually the collective name for many healthy substances such as beta-carotene, lycopene, selenium, lutein, all kinds of minerals and vitamins A and C.
This list contains foods that are packed with antioxidants:
- Matcha is number 1. Tea leaves contain a huge amount of antioxidants, which is why green tea is so healthy. Matcha is even better than regular green tea because you drink the entire leaf and therefore get all the benefits from it. With one cup a day you will experience all the health benefits.
- Fruit : blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, lemons, banana, apples,... especially the red fruit is an important source of antioxidants.
- Vegetables : broccoli, beets, avocado, spinach, kale, tomato, onion, bell pepper.
- Spices : turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, cloves, basil, parsley, sage, cumin seeds, thyme.
- Nuts, seeds and kernels
- Chocolate (choose the purest, darkest chocolate here.)
In general, all fruits and vegetables are naturally healthy. So alternate and definitely put them on the menu more often, they are part of a healthy lifestyle.
Skin care based on antioxidants
Nowadays you can find antioxidants not only in food but also in skin care products. Yes, applying antioxidants certainly has an effect, because they protect your skin from harmful factors on the outside.
Do you want to get the most out of your care products? When selecting the products, it is best to take the following into account:
- There are certain antioxidants that are most effective in skin care: those are Vitamin C, A, E and coenzyme Q10.
- Check out the ingredients list: Are the antioxidants at the top of the list? Then the product contains a high dose. The concentration is extremely important, a low dose will of course have little effect. Manufacturers must rank the ingredients by quantity. Are the antioxidants at the very bottom of the list? Then the dose is negligible.
- Antioxidants often work better when you combine them. A top combination is vitamins C and E, which reinforce each other's effect.
- The only downside: antioxidants are extremely sensitive to light and oxygen. That is why it is best to choose an airtight container that cannot be exposed to sunlight.
- Tip: also choose a sun cream based on antioxidants because they protect your skin against the harmful effects of the sun.
Make your own natural face mask
Recently I received nice photos from satisfied customers. And to my great surprise, this time they had not used their matcha powder in the kitchen, but for a face mask. That, of course, gave me ideas. :-)
I dived into the bathroom and put together a super simple recipe to make a natural and healthy face mask yourself.
Can't get any simpler than this! And it also saves you some money, because you make this mask with only three ingredients.
Supplies
- 3 tablespoons of yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of matcha
How are you?
- Mix the ingredients until smooth. Is the mixture not thick enough? Then add some honey. Is it too thick? Then you can use some extra yogurt.
- Apply to a cleansed face.
- Leave on for about 10 to 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
The result? A super soft skin and your skin glows. These ingredients are also suitable for sensitive skin.
The benefits of this mask
The combination of yogurt, matcha and honey is incredibly good for your skin:
- Honey is packed with good substances that nourish your skin, making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, it is also good for skin problems. That is why you often find honey in skin care products.
- I probably don't have to explain the benefits of matcha to you anymore. It is packed with antioxidants that protect and repair your skin. Your skin is intensively cleansed and nourished (thanks to the many vitamins that your skin also needs)
- Yogurt contains lactic acid, which will exfoliate and hydrate your skin. By the way, lactic acid is one of the main components of peels, which are now very popular.
Nothing but good for your skin! Try it yourself and be sure to send us your photos. :-)
