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The Benefits Of Antioxidants – Topical Skin Care Products / Foodstuffs

Making skin look and feel beautiful can be as simple as choosing a product that contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help to prevent cell damage created by free radicals (a term given to certain groups of volatile or reactive molecules) commonly found in the environment or in everyday substances. They can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables, teas and other pieces of yummy goodness. To understand more about how antioxidants can help you, read on…..

Antioxidants for Topical Use (The Best of)

Antioxidants come in many forms. Some are best if taken orally while others reap the rewards through a topical application. Rosehip, Jojoba and Vitamin E oils are just three examples of oils rich in antioxidants and have properties that function as healers.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip is a powerful antioxidant. Its rich texture combines lycopene and beta-carotene as well as Vitamins A and E. Its healing properties can help subdue redness associated with acne and rosacea. Rosehip rehydrates, making it a great replenisher after a hot day. To make a mask, simply add a tsp of honey with a serving of Greek yogurt. Add 5-7 drops of rosehip after mixing the honey and yogurt. Let sit on your skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing. Admire your beautiful skin!

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has many benefits. Aside from its ability to cleanly remove make-up, jojoba oil can be used as a topic antioxidant to help reduce signs of wrinkles while also hydrating skin. When our bodies naturally begin to produce less sebum, jojoba works its magic and helps replenish the natural sebum in our skin. Jojoba is known as an emollient, meaning it protects against pesky dirt and bacteria that seek to enter through pores. Jojoba oil can appear thinker than some oils. Despite that, jojoba oil does not clog pores. Instead, it serves as a natural block to bacteria. A study conducted in Germany concluded that jojoba oil has the ability to reduce skin lesions. One hundred and ninety participants applied a clay jojoba oil mask to their face 2-3 times a week. That lesions were significantly reduced.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is versatile in its healing properties. Studies show that Vitamin E can reduce scaring after a burn. That’s good news! The University of Maryland released a study in which different varieties of vitamin E oil were compared against one another. The study concluded that vitamin E oil rich in alpha-tocopherol cream helped reduce the depth of fine lines and wrinkles as well as the roughness of skin. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E oil can be applied topically without fear of a skin irritation. Some varieties of vitamin E oil can be taken orally.

Clove Essential Oil

The clove is native to the Spice Islands (ironically!). It’s a more potent essential oil that can be applied topically but with careful guidance. Acne is caused generally when there is an excess of oil build up on the skin. Clove is purifying and can be used to reduce inflammation after a breakout. Remember to add a carrier oil with clove as it can be an irritant if used independently. Jojoba oil or coconut oil is a great match for clove oil. Or, if you prefer a thicker oil, coconut oil can be used in combination with clove oil to form a face wash.

Explore the essential oils that cater to antioxidants. There are many and many that pride themselves in reducing fine lines and the early signs of aging.

Best Antioxidants for Skin (When Taken Orally)

Green Tea 

Green tea can contain caffeine, so be aware of consuming in large quantities. To reap the benefits of green tea, look for caffeine-free tea. Green tea contains catechin polyphenols, which are high in antioxidants. Recent studies allude to the idea that green tea can serve as a shield to protect against various diseases. Green tea is said to improve physical performance, which can in turn, lead to healthier skin throughout.

Grape Seed

Grapes are incredibly healthy, but as a culture, we neglect, perhaps, the healthiest part of the grape: the seeds. Grape seeds are rich in powerful antioxidants and natural plant compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). That’s a fancy way of saying that grape seeds are known to decrease free radical molecules floating around the body. Grape seed extracts can be found in many red wines, so while it’s not recommended that you snack on heaps and heaps of grapes, you can substitute grapeseed oil over vegetable oil while cooking.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is critical for survival. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidant effects of vitamin C have been conducted in vitro. After conducting such experiments, we learned that human diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer might occur in part from oxidant damage to tissues. Increasing amounts of vitamin C could therefore decrease the number of oxidants in the body. Your skin benefits too! Increasing vitamin C can decrease red marks and go so far as to protect skin against pollution.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are the wonderful seedy fruits we can’t help but look at. They hold healing powers for our skin. They naturally act as a hydration method for dry skin. Its powerful antioxidant properties protect skin against the blaring sun on summer days and prevent premature wrinkles. Pomegranate seed oil can be very concentrated so proceed with caution when applying directly to the skin. Dilute with a carrier oil when placed directly on skin.

Garlic

Garlic is another great source of antioxidants. Sulphur is an active molecule in garlic. It helps prevent infections and reduced inflammation. It’s naturally soothing characteristics help give skin a natural glow. Garlic can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Take a fresh clove of garlic and lightly press on the skin and gently release some of the liquid from the clove. If the pure garlic is too much, combine chopped garlic with honey and yogurt to create a paste before applying to the skin directly.

Novel Ways To Combat Dry Skin And Increase Hydration

Dry skin is due to lack of moisture

Prolonged dry skin can lead to wrinkles at an early age. To avoid the inevitable, we can lubricate our glands and bring moisture back into the skin we love most. Harsh soaps, itchy clothing and excessive heat can contribute to dry skin. A little TLC never hurt anyone – in fact that’s the lovin’ your skin needs to stay hydrated this season.

For one, HYDRATE. Sounds simple, but this concept can slip through the cracks as we go about our day. Start small. If you want to increase hydration, make small goals for yourself. Day one could be something as simple as drinking a half a cup of water every hour. During the second week, set a goal to drink 15 ounces of water per week. Keep a log of water consumption.

Tone down on the hot water usage! Using hot water while bathing can cause the skin to break. When the skin breaks, it becomes more susceptible to dryness. Instead, practice showering in lukewarm water. Before your shower, wash your wash with a lukewarm washcloth to remove makeup and dead skin.

Avoid alcohol-based cleansers. Many over the counter face washes and tonics contain alcohol. Use simple cleansers with oil bases. These bases include rosehip oil, avocado oil or jojoba oil.

For the adventurous type, experiment with face masks..Mix egg yolk, rose water, lime juice, olive oil and orange juice in a bowl. Once its thoroughly mixed, apply a smooth layer to the skin. This is perfect for a mid-morning mask or right before a morning shower. Keep on for about 20-30 minutes before washing off.

There’s that darn egg again! Try a simple blend of egg yolk and honey in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and add an oil of your choice. Apply and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Remember not to scrub as that could cause breakage.

Here’s a solution for the ones who aren’t afraid of a little turmeric.

Here’s what you’ll need:

4 tbsp of barley or garbanzo bean flour

1 tsp of turmeric

2 tsp of mustard oil

½ cup of water

To make:

  • Mix the ingredients together to make a paste.
  • Apply the paste to the dry areas.
  • Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
  • Wash it off with a warm washcloth (don’t scrub!)

Calendula (that’s a new one) is rich in natural flavanoids and oils. This technique is unique in that it uses the pedals themselves. Collect the pedals and make a paste. Do this by crushing the petals in a bowl and mixing with a flour of your choice. Let the pedals and flour harden. When you’re ready to use, lightly mix the paste with warm water and apply to your face. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Say hello to glowing skin!

Lastly, try grapeseed oil. It’s one of the lesser known oils out there, but well known for its properties to help tighten a tone skin while providing the skin with a layer of moisture.

Jojobab Oil

100% Natural Organic Jojoba Oil: Boxnip

Originally posted HERE by Boxnip

I have been using Eden’s Semilla 100% Organic Jojoba oil for just short of two weeks now and I have found it very beneficial to my skin, nails and hair. I am already using Eden’s Semilla Rosehip Oil which I adore, so I was very excited to purchase the Jojoba Oil.

The oil itself is cold pressed, helping to retain all those fantastic natural ingredients. It’s just full of nothing but goodness.

The oil comes in a sturdy glass bottle which holds 60ml and is packaged in a nice looking box. You have the option of keeping the stopper in the bottle that it comes with, or changing it over for the dropper that is also included too. It’s whatever suits you best really. I opted to put in the dropper as I just find it a lot more convenient to use and measure out drops with.

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I have been using 3 drops of this every night as a facial oil and have found it has calmed the redness & dryness that I usually have on my cheekbones, which often get irritated and red from products and the area gets very dry and flaky. The Jojoba oil has made a significant improvement and my skin feels so much softer and I have noticed that my skin no longer flakes in those areas either.

This is a 100% Natural Organic Jojoba oil, so you know you are putting the best quality oil onto your skin. It absorbs into the skin easily and quickly and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or oily after applying; just lovely and soft. It’s rich in Vitamin E and antioxidant which helps to repair damaged skin cells. I have some faint scarring from old breakouts and this has helped to fade them somewhat and has just made my skin tone overall more even. My skin also feels plumper and rejuvenated the following morning.

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I have also used the Jojoba oil on my nails, putting one or two drops onto the tops of my fingers, then massaging into the nails, and nail bed until absorbed. My nails have been quite brittle and breaking a lot lately because they are quite weak. This oil has definitely made them feel and look a whole lot healthier, not to mention my hands feel really soft too!

It’s also great for your hair and this oil is no exception. Jojoba oil is the only oil whose structure is similar to sebum, the oil that the scalp naturally produces, therefore it doesn’t mess with the natural balance when applied to the scalp.

I recently had a beachwave perm and as I also colour my hair it is now quite dry on the ends. This oil is great to bring back shine and smoothness, rehydrating my damaged hair. Using this makes me hair feel really soft, and shiny.

Jojoba Oil

The oil does have a scent but it’s not very strong; it’s a really pleasant fragrance. It’s such a great buy because the oil has more than one use with lots of fantastic benefits. You can also use Jojoba oil as a base/carrier oil too. It really is a great oil to have.

I have dry and sensitive skin and this oil suited it really well. I have experienced no negative reactions using this product, such as tingling, burning, itching or redness. I would say all skin types could use this oil.

Shop online for 100% Pure Jojoba Oil – Certified ORGANIC