Many of us will recognise the term antioxidant and will know that they are a good thing, but what exactly are these health superheroes? And what are their benefits for mid-life skin? We give you the lowdown.
What is an antioxidant?
Put simply, antioxidants are molecules that occur naturally in the body, which help to protect cells against damage. When the body reacts to external aggressors (i.e. pollution, UV rays, smoking, alcohol) or internal aggressors (i.e. stress, inflammation) it triggers a chemical reaction called oxidation. This reaction produces free radicals - basically waste substances - which can cause damage to cells.
As well as the body producing its own antioxidants, they can be found in food and plant sources or manufactured synthetically. You may have heard people eagerly extolling the virtues of red wine and dark chocolate as good sources of antioxidants. Other food sources include green tea, berries, kidney beans, green leafy vegetables and avocadoes.
What are the benefits of antioxidants?
Free radical damage can show in the skin through the appearance of premature fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration, loss of elasticity and sagging. Antioxidants can prevent or delay damage being done to cells by neutralising free radicals. As we transition through mid-life, our cells become slower to repair so by taking in antioxidants, through food or skincare, it helps give those cells a boost.
Think of it this way: if you leave a slice of apple out on a plate it will quickly discolour. This is an illustration of free radicals at work. However, if you squirt lemon juice onto the slice the discolouration will slow down. The vitamin C in the lemon juice is the antioxidant which helps to put the brakes on the damage.
Our own antioxidant army at your skin’s service
Willowberry’s nutritious natural skincare products are all formulated with a specific focus on skin-loving antioxidants, each one carefully chosen to bring benefits to grown-up skin.
We don’t believe in ‘anti-ageing’, we believe in looking after our skin to help it look the best it can at any age and antioxidants play an important role in this. They are key to nourishing, reviving and protecting your skin.
Here are just some of the amazing antioxidants found in our Willowberry products to nurture your skin (just look at this wonderfully long list!):
Chia Seed Oil
Reportedly one of the most nutritionally rich foods available, chia seeds are an antioxidant powerhouse. Our chia seed oil helps to nourish, soothe and comfort the skin while reducing redness and inflammation, for a healthy, radiant glow.
Cocoa Butter
Our cocoa butter is unrefined to retain its natural colour, nutrients and antioxidants. It helps to hydrate, smooth and improve skin elasticity.
Coconut Oil
Our organic virgin coconut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and an ideal skin conditioner.
Vitamin E
We use 100% natural vitamin E from wheat germ, a great antioxidant for the skin, providing protection against damage caused by free radicals. It helps soften, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, stimulates cell production and aids skin repair.
Fireweed
Famed for its regenerative properties, Fireweed is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It deeply hydrates, targets free radicals and reinforces skin barrier function.
Grapeseed Oil
Our pressed grapeseed oil is full of goodness including antioxidant vitamins C and E to help fight damaging free radicals. Suitable for all skin types it is highly moisturising while light on the skin and helps to balance out both dry and oily complexions.
Green Tea
Green tea is high in polyphenols (polyphenols are nutrients bursting with antioxidants), has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce puffiness and cellular damage.
Jojoba Oil
Produced from the seed of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil is easily absorbed and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. A rich source of antioxidant vitamin E, jojoba helps to nourish, hydrate and protect the skin.
Pomegranate Extract
An antioxidant-rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols, pomegranate has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to fight free radicals and reduce cellular damage.
Rosehip Oil
Sourced from the fruit of the wild rose bush, this beautiful oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, natural sources of antioxidants to aid healthy skin. Our high-quality, unrefined rosehip seed oil is particularly beneficial for dry, dull skin.
Safflower Seed Oil
With its high levels of vitamin E, the oil from pressed safflower seeds reduces inflammation and aids healing.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Expressed from the seeds of the sunflower, sunflower seed oil is rich in antioxidants and helps with skin elasticity and inflammation.
Sweet Almond Oil
Tried and tested for hundreds of years, sweet almond oil has been used in Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic and Greco-Persian schools of medicines. It helps to smooth, soften and rejuvenate skin.
Willowberry is nutritious natural skincare for grown-ups, for your best skin.
A favourite with top make-up artists, Willowberry's luxurious award-winning products protect skin’s natural barrier function, to nourish and revive grown-up skin without telling women to be 'anti-ageing'.
As seen in Vogue, Independent, The Telegraph, This Morning and more.
