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Antioxidants are present in many foods, and they are, in simple words, substances that prevent the oxidation process. They are used to keep stored food from going bad, and in the body, they help protect you against heart disease, eye diseases, cancer, and various other illnesses. Pomegranate juice has been found to be the strongest source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect the skin against sun damage – age spots, suntan, and even skin cancer. Applied topically, antioxidants also help soothe dermatitis, help the skin heal faster, promote collagen production, reduce inflammation and redness, and reduce hyperpigmentation. They work their magic by neutralizing free radicals, thus preventing the oxidation process.
Studies have found that antioxidants may prevent skin healing and regeneration in young people. Furthermore, at high concentrations, antioxidant supplements can have the opposite effect, and start to act as pro-oxidants instead. They can protect cancerous cells, reduce the benefits of exercise, and have unpleasant side-effects on the body.
Pores are itsy-bitsy openings in the skin—and there are millions covering every millimeter of skin. There are two types of pores with different functions: sweat pores and oil pores. The sweat pore allows moisture, produced by sweat glands, to exude out to the surface of the skin, where it helps to cool the body in response to heat, exertion or fever. Sweat pores are so tiny, they are mostly invisible to the human eye.
The oil pore, on the other hand, is a bit larger. Oil pores are also known as hair follicles because these pores produce oil from the sebaceous glands, but they are also the openings from which hair emerges. The oils help to keep our skin and hair healthy. It is the oil pores that can get clogged with sweat, debris and other gunk, causing acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Sweat pores rarely get clogged, as they are so tiny.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and unclogging pores. It is one of the longest-used medications to keep pores clean and healthy. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for keeping pores unclogged as well.
antioxidants may be effective for clogged pores, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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