Antioxidant Cream & Healing Balm

Antioxidant Cream and Free Radicals
Free radicals are high-energy, very unstable chemical substances that are known to damage the cells, DNA, proteins and essential fats in the body. Free radicals are generated during normal bodily processes. Exposure to UV light, cigarette smoke and other environmental pollutants also increases the body's free radical burden. It is thought that free radicals are involved in the process of inflammation, the ageing process, chemical damage, degenerative disease, alterations in immunity, cardiovascular disease and possibly cancer.

Antioxidants are an important defence against free radical damage. Many thousands of naturally occurring Antioxidants exist, including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, astaxanthin, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, coenzyme Q10, cysteine, gamma oryzanol, germanium, quercetin and other bioflavonoids. Some minerals are important to help maintain the antioxidant activity of a number of enzymes. Deficiencies of zinc, copper, manganese and selenium may result in increased susceptibility to free radical damage to the fat part of cell membranes. Excessive copper or iron, however, may contribute to free radical damage. Antioxidant substances are produced both in the body and from certain foods.

ANTIOXIDANTS FOR THE SKIN
SELENIUM
- The mineral selenium preserves tissue elasticity and slows down the ageing and hardening of of tissues caused by oxidation. Food sources of selenium include wholegrain cereals, seafood, garlic and eggs.
- In animal studies, selenium supplements have been shown to offer protection from the damAgeing rays of the sun, both on a daily basis and after excessive sun exposure (sunburn).

VITAMIN E
- Protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated exzymes. Food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, wheat germ, brown rice and oats, nuts, dairy products, meats and margarine.
- Studies have shown that vitamin E helps inactivate free radicals.
- Vitamin E supplementation may decrease scar formation.
- Vitamin E applied to the skin within 2 minutes of excessive sun exposure may ease the redness inflammation and swelling associated with sunburn.

VITAMIN C
- Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is an important structural protein in the body that is found in tissues such as the skin and nails.
- In animal studies, vitamin C given orally was found to reduce skin tumours caused by sun exposure and vitamin C applied to the skin of animals minimised low level, chronic UV-exposure.

Antioxidants work to protect the cells in our body by helping to neutralize damage that may occur as a result of free radicals. Free radicals are formed when the body uses oxygen. Exposure to sunlight, cigarette smoke, and other pollutants can also have an effect, increasing the body’s free radicals and depleting antioxidants.

Because free radicals are unstable compounds with unpaired electrons, they are forced to steal electrons from other healthy molecules, causing damage to the body. This process has been linked to aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic illness.

Antioxidants are our body’s only defense. Though antioxidants are a natural chemical within the body, they can also be found in certain foods and dietary supplements. Most recently, antioxidants have been incorporated into skin care products.

Studies have shown that the skin is the last organ of the body to receive antioxidants from the food and supplements that we eat. This has prompted many skin care companies to develop products with antioxidant ingredients that can be applied directly to the skin. These topical products can help repair and prevent damage caused by sun, wind, temperatures, pollution, etc.

Though topical antioxidants are known to help heal environmentally damaged skin, some cosmetic studies show that they can do even more, such as slowing down the aging process and preventing wrinkles. Antioxidants are also thought to be helpful in the treatment of acne and other bacterial infections.

Whether taken as supplements or applied topically, these antioxidants are especially good for your skin:

Vitamin A- Known to fight fine lines and wrinkles, Vitamin A can greatly improve the condition of your skin.

Vitamin C- In addition to protecting the skin from UV damage, Vitamin C also helps the skin by supporting the production of collagen. Products that contain Vitamin C can make your skin appear smoother and firmer.

Vitamin E- Because it is said to prevent scarring and age spots, Vitamin E can be found in many different lotions and skin care products. Vitamin E also helps your skin retain moisture.

BIOBALM ™ - A powerful antioxidant serum that inhibits free radical production and provides cellular and DNA protection from UV damage

Detoxifies the cells by removing cellular and DNA damaging materials that are responsible for adverse effects on the skin. Boosts the production of the water holding molecules present in the dermis and retains water. Induces the proliferation of antimicrobial peptides that keep skin infections at bay. Moderates inflammation. Relieves dryness and redness. Unclogs pores while replenishing the lipid barrier of the skin to block the penetration of allergens. Stimulates the regeneration of damaged cells.

50 Gram Bottle: $54.95