Antioxidants are a group of substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A, selenium, and carotenoids – such as beta-carotene. Antioxidants are believed to be effective in helping to prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and a variety of other ailments by destroying harmful free radicals inside the body. Antioxidant are also linked to anti-aging both inside and outside (when applied to the skin) the body. When ingested and applied properly, antioxidants may be just what nature ordered for anti-aging.

Here’s one example of how antioxidants affect our bodies at the cellular level which is the beginning of all visible beauty. Mitochondria are tiny structures within the cells that convert nutrients into energy through the process of cellular respiration. Mitochondrial decay may be one of the most important causes of cellular decline in aging. Cellular energy production itself produces free radicals that can damage cell structures, including the mitochondria, and ultimately lead to various diseases if the body`s natural antioxidant (anti-aging) capacity is inadequate. Acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid which are both naturally present in the body as antioxidants have been shown to restore mitochondrial function and reduce free radical damage.

How nature can help in the fight against aging:

Vitamin C is an important beauty supplement. Not only does it help in skin repair by building collagen, but lower levels of vitamin C in the skin are associated with aging and UV damage. Taking 500mg to 2000mg per day, in divided doses, is recommended.

Vitamin A is another important nutrient for the skin. A deficiency in vitamin A will reduce the effectiveness of skin treatments. Vitamin A is needed for the normal growth and renewal of skin cells. Our skin cells are constantly replacing each other, and new ones are pushed up to the surface as the old ones slough off. Not only is vitamin A an antioxidant, but it also nourishes the fat layer underneath the skin. Vitamin A keeps skin supple, and may prevent skin damage.

Those with a vitamin A deficiency may experience dry and rough skin, breakouts, fragile skin, wrinkle prone skin, poor skin texture, and splitting nails. One thing to remember with taking vitamin A supplements is not to exceed the recommended daily dose, as it can build up in your body if taken in excess. Taking 10000 IU per day is fine.

Science has proven that using antioxidant supplements with your regular skin routine is an approach that has been validated in the fight against the signs of aging. A study by French scientists found that woman taking the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene had 23% fewer new wrinkles, and a reduction in existing wrinkles of 8%. Antioxidants effectively stop the breakdown of collagen and elastin by free radicals and prevent the signs of aging.

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