Aging leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. This occurs because the collagen and elastin in our skin begins breaking down. Although the aging process cannot be stopped, you can opt for following a skin care routine that will slow it down.

Bad habits such as smoking and sun bathing can influence how fast your skin ages. Smoking is detrimental to skin and overall health. Scientific evidence has linked it directly to premature aging.

In this article, however, we will focus on the effects sun exposure has on aging. Also, we’ll take a look at how to apply antioxidant skin care to keep your skin looking younger longer.

Antioxidants – The Secret Weapon against Skin Damage

UV exposure produces free radicals. A free radical is an atom (or group of atoms) that has an unpaired electron. Electrons like being in pairs, so if an electron has an unpaired electron it will naturally “search” for another electron to complete it.

In this search, the atom will steal an electron from a neighboring atom and convert this once healthy atom into a new free radical. This begins a chain reaction that destroys an entire cell.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by offering one of their electrons so that the free radical can be stabalized. This is why antioxidants are so important in decelerating the aging process and sun damage. In order to help keep sun damage to a minimum, follow these simple steps.

Tip 1 – Don’t expose your skin to too much sun

A tan can make your skin look healthier glow, but in all honesty, even a light tan is considered sun damage. If you’re set on getting a tan, but don’t want the damage that’s associated to solar exposure, you can reach for a self tanning lotion instead.

Tip 2 – Don’t Forget to Wear Sunscreen and Protective Gear

Whenever you go outside, you must use sunscreen. The best sunscreens are the ones with SPF30 or higher. Don’t forget to use protective clothing and garments such as long sleeves, sunglasses, and wide brimmed hats.

Tip 3 – Get as many Antioxidants as Possible

You can incorporate more antioxidants into your lifestyle by eating certain foods and using antioxidant skin creams. This is a wonderful way of treating your skin and repairing skin damage.

Foods high in antioxidants include fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Don’t become obsessed with just one type of food. Add color to your diet by including a wide variety of fruits and vegetalbes to make your diet more exciting.

A great antioxidant rich food are berries. These include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries all of which are high in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Berries are truly a super skin food.

As a matter of fact, these fruits are commonly added to natural skin care products. You can also find Vitamin E and Vitamin C in most antioxidant skin creams and antioxidant serums.

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