Whether it was Cleopatra who used goat's milk to bathe her skin or the modern Mediterranean women who use lemon juice to clear their skin of blemishes, the use of antioxidants has been widespread across the ages. Although their benefits were highly prized even in those days, it is only today, that modern scientists are discovering the positive effects antioxidants have on the skin.

Are natural antioxidants always better?

Natural antioxidants are increasingly used in skin care products to improve efficacy and toning results. Many have been dermatologically tested and are considered void of side effects - particularly allergies or inflammation. Research has shown natural skin care products to be as effective if not more so in providing results - often without irritation or longer-term adverse effects. Coffee, Vitamin C, Blueberries, Grapeseed Oil and Green Tea have been found to be effective natural antioxidants and have been found in skin care and hair care products alike. In the past ten years, many of these ingredients have also found their way to beverages and are often combined with additional ingredients for flavor or soothing benefits.

How do these work on the skin?

One of the biggest culprits of damage on the skin's surface is the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. These cause various skin problems ranging from discoloration, darkening and dullness. Blotchy skin and dryness are common, and acne and blemish breakouts can accelerate. Antioxidants work to diffuse effects of sun damage and smoking - both of which tend to amplify the effects of oxidization. Additonally, they can help prevent further or future cell membrane damage. So, there is a repairative nature as well as protective relief.

Typically, the harmful effects of pollution and other substances in the atmosphere result in free radicals settling into the skin cells as well. These free radicals destroy healthy skin cells and the underlying collagen and elastin tissue as well. This results in unhealthy, sagging skin and is considered a source of wrinkles and fine lines. In fact, some researchers believe that it is the cumulative effects of free-radical damage thtat results in aging. The apparent visible signs being a drying of sermal tissue, graying of hair, and the slow disfunction of organs.

With the help of antioxidant skin treatments you can help repair damaged skin cells and aid restoration vitality, elasticity and suppleness. Though not and anti-aging panacea, manufacturers have increasingly used antioxidants and, in some cases, develped entire skin care lines around fighting free-radical damage.

There are many products available that give the promise fantastic results. Green Tea antioxidant creams, Wine mud masks, tea tree oil, Idebenone, Vitamin C concentrates combined with gel, lotion or serum-based formulas can work wonders.

Fighting aging skin can be an uphill battle, but skin products with antioxidants can provide repair and protection. When formulated with other ingredients, they help reduce wrinkles and age spots, help eliminate dark circles under the eyes, and improve smoothess and softness to your skin.