While we are most familiar with antioxidants in vitamin form (C, E and A), they may also be found in some enzymes as well as minerals, such as selenium.
Antioxidants work to prevent damage to the body before it happens by protecting and nurturing cells against free radicals. Free radicals are highly charged and unstable, containing unpaired electrons. They attempt to steal electrons from other molecules and accelerate the aging process resulting in damage. When it comes to skin, free radicals can decrease its structural support, its elasticity, its resilience and suppleness. They can also lead to inflammation, and result in liver spots, unhealthy looking skin and wrinkles. Antioxidants like selenium help stop the cellular chain reaction by donating an electron to free radicals, without becoming free radicals themselves.
Selenium (along with copper and zinc) is one of the most common antioxidant minerals and it has been found to be particularly beneficial in skin care. When included in formulations, it can help to improve the skin’s elasticity, fight acne and prevent free radical damage to collagen and elastin, thereby reducing the effects of aging. Selenium is found in many foods, including Brazil nuts, poultry, seafood, and meats, oats and brown rice. In addition to its antioxidant ability, selenium has been found to help with skin healing following burns. Selenium shampoo may alleviate dandruff problems. It’s thought to also improve the immune system against bacterial and viral infections, against cancer cells and herpes virus, cold sores, and shingles.
Look for selenium rich skin care products in La Roche Posay. Many preparations are formulated with Thermal Spring Water, which is sourced from a small village in central France (called La Roche Posay). The water is created from rainwater flowing over limestone rocks, natural selenium reserves and deep sands. It is very pure, protected from pollution and untreated in order to maintain its integrity. The result is a range of selenium rich treatments with strong antioxidant ability.
