Understanding antioxidants: the secret to radiant skin
June 2024 | by María Gutiérrez
Does our body oxidise like a bicycle chain in the rain or an avocado left out in the open? We often hear about "Antioxidants in the world of cosmetics, with brands advertising the presence of antioxidants in their products as if they were a revolutionary property. Yet most people have no idea what this term actually means. Today we explain:
What is oxidation in humans?
In the human body, theoxidation (or oxidative stress) is linked to the presence of unstable and highly reactive molecules containing oxygen, the free radicals. They can be generated by normal body processes, such as cellular respiration, or by external factors such as the pollution, UV, the smoking or toxic chemicals. What makes these molecules so unstable is the loss of an electron. This means that they will try to recover an electron from another molecule to stabilise themselves. These free radicals will then "attack" our own cells and molecules by robbing them of their electrons, which will create even more unstable molecules and therefore more instability chain reactions. This phenomenon can affect our cells, our lipids, our proteins and even our DNA, and can lead to cellular dysfunctions, a loss of autonomy, and a loss of life. premature ageing of the skin and serious illnesses (cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's...).
The role of antioxidants
The antioxidants are molecules that will be able to stabilise free radicals. They will be able to donate an electron to the free radicals without themselves becoming unstable, and so stop the chain of instability. We have natural antioxidants produced by our bodies, such as glutathione and catalase, but it's also very important to consume them. Broccoli, tomatoes, dark chocolate and red fruit are good sources of antioxidants.
Hazelnut
La hazelnut is renowned for its powerful antioxidant propertiesideal for protect and nourish the skin during the winter. Enriched with vitamins and essential fatty acidshazelnut reinforces the skin barrier, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. soft and radiant even by cold weather. That's why we've chosen it as the main ingredient in our winter moisturisers for dry and oily skin. Discover the Masaison range of winter creams, inspired by the natural benefits of hazelnuts:
Moisturising winter cream for dry skin
Moisturising cream with hazelnut, borage and hemp, specially designed for dry skin during the winter months.
Winter moisturising cream for combination skin
Moisturising cream with Cypress, Safflower and Sweet Almond, specially designed for combination skin during the winter months.
Winter moisturising cream for oily skin
Moisturising cream with hazelnut, black cumin and lemon, specially designed for oily skin during the winter months.
Oxidative stress on the skin: what are the consequences?
Oxidative stress can accelerate the skin's ageing process, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Free radicals damage the proteins responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity, such as collagen and elastin. In addition, it can stimulate the production of melanin and trigger an inflammatory response in the skin, leading tohyperpigmentationto dark spotsto rashes or age spots. That's why it's so important to use products with antioxidants, especially when you're exposed to the sun, which is one of the biggest contributors to skin oxidation.
The fig
La fig is a natural treasure rich in antioxidantsperfect for protect and feed the skin. What's more, figs are moisturising and is full of essential vitamins that revitalise the skin. That's why we've chosen the fig as the main ingredient in our summer creams, offering a optima protectionthe and a radiant skin throughout the season. Discover the Masaison range of summer creams, inspired by the natural benefits of the fig:
Moisturising summer cream for dry skin
Natural summer cream with fig, camelina, cherry and carrot. Specially designed for dry skin.
Moisturising summer cream for combination skin
Natural summer cream with fig, chia, elderberry and grape. Specially designed for combination skin.
Moisturising summer cream for oily skin
Natural summer cream with fig, St John's wort, rice and black cumin. Specially designed for oily skin.
What can we do?
To protect your skin and your health from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, it's essential to incorporate antioxidants into your daily routine. Here are a few practical tips:
- A diet rich in antioxidants : Eat antioxidant-rich foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, dark chocolate and red fruit on a regular basis.
- Use of skin care products : Choose skincare products containing antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and polyphenols.
- Sun protection : Apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. The sun's UV rays are one of the main sources of free radicals, and proper sun protection can significantly reduce oxidative stress on your skin.
- Healthy lifestyle : Avoid external factors that increase the production of free radicals, such as smoking and excessive exposure to pollution.
By following these tips, you can reduce the impact of oxidative stress on your skin and your health, and maintain younger, healthier skin for longer.
Do you like natural cosmetics?
At Masaison we make cosmetics using French ingredients, natural, bio and above all seasonal. Our aim is to keep processing and waste to a minimum, so as to let the planet breathe, but also our skin. All the while guaranteeing effective, healthy moisturising.
