Everyday, free radical damage from things like pollution, UV rays, pesticides, smog, illness, diet and stress, is constantly bombarding the largest and most exposed organ of the body: our skin. Why is this a bad thing? Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules that damage cells and cause oxidization. If you’re not familiar this term, think of what happens to an apple once it is sliced--if it sits out on the counter for very long, it becomes an unappetizing shade of brown. If it sits out much longer, the skin begins to wrinkle, and the apple becomes soggy and inedible. This change in the apple is caused by oxidization, which is a little disheartening once you think of it in terms of the skin (wrinkles, sagging, brown spots, oh my!).

 Is there any way to fight back? Yes! Antioxidants help fight free-radical damage, therefore significantly delaying the oxidation process, and, it’s easier to include them into your skincare routine than you think! Although there are many antioxidants found in various skincare products, there are a few that really stand out among the rest for their effectiveness on the skin. 

One of our favorites is green tea, and for good reason: Green tea has an abundance of polyphenols, which are natural plant compounds that have been linked to helping protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, help improve hydration, and help protect healthy skin cells from oxidative skin damage. You can find green-tea extract in VOLANTÉ Skincare’s Revitalizing Day Lotion and Day Cream. 

Another way to obtain the benefits of green tea is to drink it, of course! In tea drinking cultures, about three cups a day is typical, and 2-3 cups daily has been found in studies to give the most beneficial amounts of polyphenols. Keep in mind that green tea traditionally has caffeine, so if you tend to be sensitive to it, opt for a caffeine-free version. 

Another potent antioxidant that we are particularly fond of here at VOLANTÉ is Grape Seed extract. Various studies have shown that the antioxidant potency of Grape Seed extract is greater than Vitamin C and Vitamin E! Grape seed extract can decrease free radical damage on a daily basis, helping to  keep skin firm, supple, and more even-toned. Additionally, it is more stable than Vitamin C, making it an attractive ingredient to put into various skincare products, because it doesn’t lose its potency quickly. 

The benefits of grape seed oil doesn’t stop at skincare! Eating grapes give the body access to the same kind of antioxidant benefits that it gives to skincare. The grape skins and grape seeds have the highest concentration of antioxidants, and different grape varietals can offer different antioxidant offerings, so it’s good to mix it up!  Dry red and white wine can also provide antioxidants.

 Looking for skincare that really packs an antioxidant punch? VOLANTÉ’s Intensive Repairing Serum is a great place to start, because it has high doses of grape seed extract. Although 7VITAE® is in every VOLANTÉ product, this serum contains the highest concentration of all the products at 13%. But what about your body? VOLANTÉ’s Radiant Glow Firming Body Serum can help with free radical damage on the skin of your body. Containing 10% 7VITAE®, this serum will not only help protect your skin from free radical damage, but it will also help instantly firm, hydrate and exfoliate your skin, and, it can  help eradicate the appearance of cellulite and crepey skin.  Now this takes antioxidants to a whole new level 

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