Acne and Antioxidants

Molecules of free oxygen, known as free radicals, float in our body with unpaired electrons seeking to balance themselves by "stealing" electrons from healthy cells. This process can kill healthy cells and damage tissue. It is called 'oxidation' and results in aging in humans and rotting in plants.

The process of oxidation causes the skin to lose elasticity and develop wrinkles, thins hair, weakens muscles, impairs hearing and eyesight, decreases immunity, and increases degenerative diseases.

Antioxidants stop this process and maintain the health of our bodies. These antioxidants are abundant in natural foods (grapes, blueberries, pomegranates especially) and man-made antioxidants are also available over the counter. The main antioxidants include vitamins and minerals that neutralize free radicals.

Some of the well-known antioxidants are Vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, and the minerals zinc and selenium. All these antioxidants help in the prevention and treatment of acne, preventing the free radicals from harming the skin and immune system, which helps in acne flare-ups.

Antioxidants serve as a skin barrier to prevent free radicals from penetrating the living dermal layer. The highest concentration of antioxidants in the body is found in the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. As we age, the concentration of antioxidants in the epidermis starts decreasing considerably. This is one reason that skin starts showing signs of damage.

To keep the immune system and other systems healthy and to avoid damage by free radicals, antioxidants can be taken orally. While it is good for the overall functioning of the body, skin does not benefit much from it, as only about 1% of ingested antioxidants reach the skin.

Topical application of antioxidants can produce an effective barrier against free radicals. Each topical application of antioxidants will have a life of up to four days. The topical application of antioxidants neutralizes free radicals and prevents UV destruction of cells. A drawback of topically applied antioxidants is they become depleted with decreasing concentration, so daily application is needed to keep their level maximized.

Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants that can be part of our diet and provide digestible antioxidants. The pulp of these fruits and vegetables can also be applied on the skin to work as topical antioxidants and keep skin healthy. Oils rich in Vitamin E, such as Olive oil, Coconut oil, and Sesame oil are good for topical use on skin.

People with oily skin can also benefit from these oils by applying them in small quantities mixed with water (it makes an emulsion). Keep this mix on the face for 2-3 minutes, then wash with medicated soap. This will wipe out any trace of oil, leaving your skin smooth.

One must remember that no matter what type of skin you have, whether oily or dry or a combination, it needs moisturizer to maintain its suppleness. As all the major vitamins are water soluble, some amount of fat is essential in our diet.

Some vitamins which are beneficial for skin are vitamin A (Beta-Carotene), vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), and Vitamin E (Tocopherol). All these vitamins are recognized as powerful antioxidants. Certain vitamins, in combination with glycolic acid, offer double protection against free radicals and assist their antioxidant effects.

Free radicals also increase in our bodies when we do not get enough sleep, are under stress, smoke, consume too much alcohol, live in pollution, or eat a higher amount of sugar or processed foods, and even exercise too much.

Remember what foods you consume, because your body gets nutrients accordingly. If you want healthy skin without acne, then you must maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid the risks listed in the paragraph above, and take antioxidants while consulting your physician.

Antioxidants on their own will not treat acne, but they are a step in the right direction. For more information on treating acne.