Preventive Role of Antioxidant in Acne Vulgaris

by Dr.Minakshi Welukar
(Pune,India)

Acne vulgaris, commonly known as “pimples” is a skin condition that resulted in inflamed red growth called as a “cyst”. The condition always makes you self-conscious, uncomfortable, disappointed or depressed. Existence of acne on exposed areas of body such as face and neck make you feel ugly and poor body image while, those particularly on back prevents you from wearing your favourite costumes and sometimes, withdraw you from social events or friends.

People can get acne due to number of ways, may be genetic in origin or the outcome of hormonal imbalance, inadequate body nourishment, poor hygiene, use of oily cosmetics and stress and strain of daily hectic life. Whatever the reason, acne flare-ups are most commonly happens on loose and unhealthy type of skin.

During various chemical processes taking place in our body, molecules of free oxygen commonly called “free radicals” gets generated. They float with unpaired electrons in the body and gets balance by stealing electron from healthy cell. This oxidative process result in chain reaction which harm healthy cells and tissues, weaken muscles, trigger hair fall, lower the body immunity and make the skin to lower its elasticity with loss of tone and suppleness. Such type of skin is more prone for acne formation.

Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E and minerals like zinc, chromium and selenium prevents free radicals induced skin damage and improve body immunity to fight against infection and ultimately acne.

Antioxidants are mostly concentrated in outermost epidermal layer of skin restricting deep penetration by free radicals and hence, prevent skin from undue ageing, getting wrinkles and make skin more supple, youthful and glowing. When concentration of antioxidants starts to diminish due to any reasons free radical induced skin damage enhances making skin susceptible to acne formation.

Fresh fruits like pomegranate, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, apple and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, carrot, broccoli, and tomatos are rich source of antioxidants.

Antioxidents are also available in form of tablets or as a topical application. Now-a-day many health supplements and health drinks are fortified with antioxidants. Also you can apply fruit pulp to skin to directly supply antioxidants. When taken in ample amount build-up body’s immunity and fight against free radical produced in body.

In addition to this, face washing 3-4 times in a day, using high quality cosmetics, keeping good body hydration, eating healthy diet food and eight hour sound sleep at night help to keep you away from acne.