Which is the best antioxidant for skin health? What does the latest research show?

The answer is: there is no single best antioxidant: they work in concert and one must choose wisely.

Why antioxidants?

Oxidative stress is the most important cause of ageing.

Bad diet, sun exposure, chronic disease, all generates free radicals which cause damage to mitochondria, DNA and cellular membrane. The body has a certain reserve of anti-oxidants but as we age the stores become depleted so we age faster and become sick.

Oxidative stress caused by sun exposure results in:

• DNA damage: skin ageing, mutations, skin cancer
• Skin burning, tanning: epidermal hyperplasia, collagen loss, elastic fibres damage
• Immune suppression

What do we need?

1. A diet low in fat and carbohydrates and rich in carotenoids: red, yellow, orange, purple vegetables and fruit
2. Vitamin C: take in the morning with lots of water. (People with high iron stores in their bodies, should not take vitamin C) ; Vitamin C provides a very good antioxidant action and collagen stimulation.
3. Astaxanthin is the best skin anti-oxidant: increases moisture, reduces dryness and roughness of the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles. While natural Astaxanthin in food is rare, supplemental Astaxanthin is available and recommended.
4. Coenzyme Q10 100 mg/day
5. R lipoic acid is a great anti-oxidant, heavy metal protector and anti-inflammatory.
6. Glutathione intra vemious or NAC 600-750 mg a few times a week. Excellent for skin health and skin whitening.
7. Zinc supplements can cure acne and improve seborrhoeic dermatitis and hair loss.

The anti-oxidants should be kept in a dark, air tight container preferably in the fridge.