Antioxidants are all the rage in the skin care industry – with good reason. Studies prove that antioxidants inhibit harmful free radical damage that leads to premature aging.

How Do They Do This?

Healthy skin contains stable oxygen molecules; they have an even number of electrons. However, due to several factors including hormones, UV radiation and environmental pollution, these stable oxygen molecules interact with other molecules and lose an electron. This odd number of electrons causes the oxygen molecule to become unstable and highly reactive, known as a free radical. Free radicals, in a bid to become stable, will attack other stable molecules for their electrons, setting off a chain reaction that damages cells, proteins and DNA. This results in prematurely aged and damaged skin.

This is where superstar antioxidant ingredients come in. Antioxidants stop the free radicals by stabilizing them and slowing down the chain reaction. The regular and consistent use of antioxidants results in improved cell function, increased collagen production and elasticity of skin, making it firmer and healthier.These antioxidants benefits make them a much sought after ingredient in the skin care industry. Companies are constantly launching miracle antioxidant products and it’s very easy for a consumer to get confused wondering whether the hype behind a product is worth it.

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Well, to determine whether an antioxidant ingredient actually works, you need to have a scientific explanation for why the product would work and whether its chemical structure will allow it to penetrate the skin and let it perform said work.When your skin is irritated, nerve endings in the skin are triggered and certain hormones are stimulated, the result is inflamed skin. One of the best ways to deal with this would be an anti inflammatory treatment. Studies show fulvic acid to have potent anti inflammatory properties. This humic mineral ingredient is an effective natural option to promote healthy functioning skin.

Fulvic acid’s anti inflammatory properties however, are just the icing on the anti aging cake.

The chemical structure of fulvic acid allows it easily penetrate the skin without disrupting the skin’s acid mantle. This means the moisture barrier will not be disrupted and even more irritated.By easily penetrating the skin, fulvic acid will be potent for longer while it battles harmful free radicals in the skin. This leaves your skin hydrated, softer and firmer – a sure fire way to prevent wrinkles and fine lines! That is what well performing antioxidants are all about.

So the next time an anti aging product is thrust in your face, make sure to ask this important question, how exactly does the active ingredient/ antioxidant work? It’s the best way to make sure your hard earned money doesn’t go to waste!