Antioxidants: What They Are and How to Counteract the Symptoms of Aging

Aging is a natural and inevitable process, but there are effective ways to slow it down and keep your skin always young and healthy.

One of the keys to dealing with the signs of time lies in the use of antioxidants: precious substances in the fight against free radicals, responsible for premature skin and cellular aging.

Let's explore what antioxidants are, the benefits they offer, how to take them, and how to make the most of them in cosmetics and anti-aging treatments.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are essentially molecules that counteract the harmful effects of free radicals* (which we will discuss more shortly).

Antioxidants protect the skin (and organs) from the signs of time, which we notice in our skin care routine in the form of wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and skin spots.

What Are Antioxidant Substances?

Antioxidants are naturally found in many foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals, but they are also widely used in the formulation of cosmetics and targeted anti-aging supplements to fully exploit their regenerating and protective properties.

There are numerous substances with antioxidant properties, each with specific beneficial characteristics.

Among the most common are:

• Vitamin C

A powerful antioxidant that we discussed in more detail HERE, which promotes collagen production, improves skin brightness, and reduces dark spots.

• Vitamin E

Protects the skin, especially from UV damage, and has a strong moisturizing effect.

• Polyphenols

Extracted from plants like green tea, red wine, and dark chocolate, they have anti-inflammatory properties and combat skin aging.

• Coenzyme Q10

Supports cell regeneration and damage repair, helping to maintain firm and smooth skin.

• Retinol (Vitamin A)

Stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

• Flavonoids

Present in fruits and vegetables, they protect cells from oxidative stress.

But, before we dive into how to load up on antioxidants for a truly visible anti-aging effect, let's take a step back…

*What Are Free Radicals?

Free radicals—which we referenced earlier—are essentially our enemies in this regard!

They are unstable molecules naturally produced by our bodies during processes like breathing or exposure to external factors, such as pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV rays.

These molecules contain unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive and often attacking healthy cells, causing damage to DNA, proteins, and lipid membranes, thereby accelerating aging and increasing the risk of degenerative diseases.

An excess of free radicals is called "oxidative stress" and is a condition that contributes to premature skin aging and other health issues.

What Are the Symptoms of Aging?

Aging manifests with a range of visible and invisible changes within our body.

Needless to say, the most visible "symptoms" of aging are especially noticeable on the skin.

The most common symptoms of skin aging include:

• Wrinkles and fine lines

Over time, the skin loses elasticity, and wrinkles begin to appear, especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

• Loss of tone

Collagen and elastin, two proteins vital for skin firmness, gradually decrease, causing widespread skin relaxation.

• Dark spots

Also known as "age spots" or sun freckles, these are irregular pigmentations caused by sun exposure and a gradual slowing of cell turnover.

• Dry and thin skin

Aging reduces the skin's ability to retain moisture, making it more fragile and prone to cracking.

How to intervene?

What Do Antioxidants Do in Cosmetics?

Antioxidants in cosmetics play a crucial role in protecting the skin from the aforementioned damage caused by free radicals.

Thanks to their neutralizing properties, antioxidants help prevent or reduce signs of aging and keep the skin young and healthy.

Here are the main benefits of antioxidants, utilized by cosmetic products:

• Protection from UV rays

While they don't replace sunscreen, some antioxidants, like vitamin E and polyphenols, help protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

• Anti-wrinkle

By stimulating collagen production and promoting cell regeneration, antioxidants help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

• Reduction of skin spots

Some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, have a brightening effect, reducing the visibility of age spots and evening out the complexion.

• Hydration and nourishment for the skin

Many antioxidants also have emollient and moisturizing properties, making the skin softer and smoother.

How to Counteract Aging? Anti-Aging Treatments

To counteract the signs of aging, in addition to using specific cosmetics, it’s important to adopt a holistic approach that also includes professional treatments and a healthy lifestyle.

Some of the most effective anti-aging treatments include continuous use of anti-aging cosmetics, anti-aging serums, and treatments based on hyaluronic acid.

Anti-aging cosmetics are specially formulated to combat the signs of aging and improve skin appearance.

Among the most effective for facial care are serums, masks, creams, and boosters based on vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which in The Unique Form cosmetics are further enriched with: Nannochloropsis Oculata microalgae, Pullulan, Cyclodextrins, Peptides, Escin, Hydrolyzed wheat proteins, Panthenol, Almond oil, Rice oil, Shea butter, and much more.

In general, it’s always good to know that: vitamin C serums improve skin brightness and reduce dark spots; retinol creams increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, reducing wrinkles; hyaluronic acid masks provide deep hydration, making the skin plumper and firmer; and Coenzyme Q10-based products improve cellular energy and protect against oxidative stress.

Anti-Aging Supplements

As we mentioned, antioxidants are also present in many foods, which may or may not be part of our daily diet.

However, getting a sufficient amount of natural antioxidants by eating seasonal fruits and vegetables (like kiwi, watermelon, pomegranate, berries, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) is not that simple.

Therefore, in addition to topical treatments, there are also specific anti-aging supplements that can help fight the signs of time from the inside, with quicker and more intense results.

Unique Form Collagen Più

Unique Form’s Collagen Più formula offers one of the best anti-aging and anti-oxidant effects in the form of an easy-to-use drinkable supplement.

Its composition contains high-quality collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants such as grape seed extract and curcumin.

These nutrients help to protect the skin and body from oxidative stress and free radical damage, preventing premature aging while promoting regeneration, hydration, and elasticity.