It seems nearly every blog, pin, tweet or article I read these days about skincare includes the word "antioxidant". Each time I read this word it insights the same reaction - quizzical look, furrowed brows, scratching of the head - anti-WHAT?! Ever the curious one, this lack of understanding didn't last very long and I set out on my mission to find out what these elusive antioxidants are.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are naturally occurring molecules that neutralise chemicals known as free radicals.
So what are free radicals?
Free radicals are incomplete and therefore unstable molecules. Free radical production can be increased by environmental factors, such as stress, pollution and radiation from the sun.
Why are free radicals bad for you and antioxidants good for you?
Put simply, free radicals try to rob other molecules so that they can become complete. This starts a chain reaction that can lead to damage to or even the death of a cell.
Antioxidants are your knights in shining armor. They sacrifice part of themselves to the free radicals in order to stop this chain reaction and subsequent damage to the cells. How heroic of them!
Ok so science lesson aside, what does this mean for our skin?
Free radicals can have a damaging effect on our cells, resulting in premature ageing, wrinkles and fine lines. It is therefore crucial that we give our skin a helping hand by providing it with as many antioxidants as possible.
Don't worry, Mother Nature has our daily antioxidant dose covered in the form of Squalene! Unlike other sources of antioxidants such as Vitamin C & E, Squalene is naturally occurring in the body, making up 12% of our sebum. Only bad news is, our Squalene levels begin to decline in our early 20s, reducing our skin's antioxidant stores used to ward off free radicals.
I'll be honest, the last thing I want to be seeing over the next few years is wrinkles and fine lines developing on my face. That's why I am lucky to have found Botani's Olive Skin Serum. Formulated with 99% Olive Squalene, a potent antioxidant that has a natural affinity to our skin's natural Squalene. This affinity allows the Serum to be immediately absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin where it is needed most. Find out more about Olive Squalene here.
The Olive Skin Serum is odourless, non-greasy and suitable for all skin types. It is the perfect primer for under makeup and, due to it being an antioxidant, is fantastic under SPF to boost sun protection. It is a staple in my skin care regime because it really is the best anti-ageing remedy I know to prevent wrinkles and keep my skin youthful!
Got a question about antioxidants? Post it below, I'm all ears!
Jenna @ Botani x
Want the chance to try Botani's Olive Skin Serum?
For your chance to win an Olive Skin Serum 15ml worth $31.95, simply 'Like' our Facebook page and 'Share' the post about this week's blog with your friends.
Make sure that you let us know that you've done this by posting a comment below about your experience with learning about antioxidants and free radicals. Also include your Facebook name so we can contact you if you win!*
Getting healthier skin is that simple!
*Competition is only open to Australian residents. Entries are open from September 9-13, 2013. We will announce the winner by Facebook and on the blog on Friday 13th September 2013; the winner will also be contacted privately. CONGRATULATIONS to Jo Burley who is this week's Botani Beauty Giveaway winner!