Natures Newest Free-Radicals Fighters

From DAYSPA, Andrea Moret, July 2009

AÇAÍ - For more natural sources in antioxidantskin care, açaí berry tops the list, according toSam Dhatt, president andCEO of DermaQuest SkinTherapy (dermaquestinc.com). This superfoodcontains phytosterols, andamino and omega acids toprovide a promising panelof antiaging benefits. Unlike its water-lovingberry counterparts, açaí contains 50% oil, and isnaturally high in oleic acid—the same fatty acidfound in olive oil.

ARGAN OIL - Another relative newcomerto the U.S. market, this product of theendemic argan tree is rich in tocopherols,phenols, carotenoids and essentialfatty acids. It’s been used for centuriesin Moroccan skin care and cuisine. Itsnourishing, protective and moisturizingbenefits are just being noticed in the West,Dhatt says.

BERRIES - By comparison, water-solubleberries—including pomegranates,blueberries and raspberries—sit closer tothe surface of the skin. Their high vitamin-Ccontent helps enhance a product’sUV-protective abilities.

COFFEEBERRY - Early research on thebright, red fruit of thecoffee plant suggeststhat it may exudestronger antioxidantproperties than green tea, pomegranate,and vitamins C and E.

DARK CHOCOLATE - This treat hasgained attention for its flavonoidcocoa content. High in catechins andtryptophans, which are precursors to themood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin,these ingredients can result in a skincalmingaction, says Gül Zone, presidentand founder of DermAware (dermaware.com). Some manufacturers areformulating products that combine cocoawith quinone, kojic acid and licoriceextract to control pigmentation.

GRAPESEED EXTRACT - Likelicorice, grapeseed extract diminishesinflammation, and helps firm and healthe skin.

GREEN TEA - Despite theinflux of new botanicalsflooding the topicalantioxidant market, greentea—with its powerfulepigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content—remains the most proven to neutralizefree radicals and fight inflammation. Italso suppresses the photocarcinogensthat lead to skin cancer, according to theInternational Journal of Oncology.

HONEY - One of the oldest natural remediesknown to humans is making a comebackto skin care. Its history dates back tothe Middle Ages when this antibacterialflavonoid was used to preserve food andapplied as a poultice on wounds. Today,we’re seeing the sweet stuff used as ananti-inflammatory in acne treatments andto stabilize vitamin C before it oxidizes,Zone says.

LICORICE - Lichochalcone fromlicorice root offerspotent antioxidantsand provides stronganti-inflammatoryactions. Plus, combininglichochalcone withAHAs can help reduce irritation, says MarkLees, Ph.D., founder of Mark Lees Skin Care(marklees.com).

RED TEA - Also known as Rooibos, it’smade from the leaves of the Aspalathuslinearis plant, which grows in SouthAfrica. While research on this tea is stillrelatively new, it contains tannins anda similar EG CG content to that of NorthAmerican black tea. South Africans haveused it as a natural remedy for hay fever,asthma, eczema, heartburn, and to ease thepain of stomach ulcers and nausea.

WHITE TEA - Green tea’s kid sister—thenew growth from the same Camelliasinensis plant—may have it beat in termsof potency. Because it’s quickly processedand not subjected to the same extremedrying conditions as green tea’s moremature leaves, the younger white budsbear an even higher catechin count.