GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN - ANTI-OXIDANTS

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and can absorb up to 70% of what you put on it. As with your diet it's important that you 'feed' your skin with a healthy mix of vitamins, minerals and proteins. At Proverb, our elite sports background training, means we understand how important the ingredients in your skincare are. Everything in a product should be there for a reason, no filler, just stuff that will actually get results. Something you will find across all Proverb product are anti-oxidants. Kirstie Sherriff, Proverb Founder, explains here why they are so important, which ingredients to look out for to get your hit of them, and which ones we use in Proverb.

"An anti- oxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells. In food and skincare speak antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Anti-oxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effects of free radicals that can lead to oxidation and cell dysfunction...effectively like when you see the apple go from green to brown. Anti-oxidants block the effects of free radicals. They help to slow down the signs of ageing, calm the skin and maintain a more youthful appearance. That's why it's so important to keep your skin topped up with these little beauties.

Think of it as if you are 'feeding you skin'. Find products rich in anti-oxidants; look for products that contains ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins like fruit, and colourful veg;

Tomato (lycoprotein) - or Lycopene is a very powerful anti-oxidant (found in all Proverb products), belonging to a class of compounds called carotenoids. It's the red pigment that gives plants their colour, and helps prevent damage caused by light. 

Acai is simply the elite anti oxidant superfood for the skin. Considered one of the most powerful and nutritional superfoods on the planet, acai has been used for centuries by natives of Brazil. The Acai phytophenols and anthocyanins (the colour pigment in the fruit skin) are the potent anti-oxidants which play a critical role in neutralising free radicals within the body.  

Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants, conjugated fatty acids and gentle phytoestrogens. It has been proven to be even more effective than green tea in fighting the free radicals that cause premature ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. 

Sea Buckthorn Berries. These 'superberries' are a rich source of anit-oxidants. The little red berries contain unusually high levels of Vitamin C and E which help protect against environmental stresses. 

Spirulina. Several scientific studies have demonstrated that spirulina has an extraordinary antioxidant potential, more than 500 times higher than isolated tocopherols, which are proven to be excellent antioxidants. This is possible through the synergistic action of vitamins, natural pigment phyto nutrients or minerals - all contained in spirulina - which are among the most effective antioxidants known.

Argan. Otherwise known as 'Liquid gold'. Deeply moisturising due to the incredibly level of fatty acids combined with extremely high levels of anti-oxidant vitamin E. Produced from the kernal found inside the argan nut. High anti-oxidant levels make it an amazing skin protector and help in anti ageing.

Mountain Pepper. A new bread of super anti-oxidants, Mountain Pepper (Litsea Cubeba) contains two flavone glycosides (potent antioxidants) called isovitexin and rutin, which protect the skin from breaking down and ageing and work synergistically with vitamin C to intensify its antioxidant activity. They also strengthen capillaries and reduce dark circles under the eyes. 

Avocado is rich an Vitamin E. This works both as an anti-oxidant and as a moistuiser (double benefit!). It helps to smooth and plump out the skin, helping to reduce the signs of ageing. Is there nothing is nutrient rich little wonder can't do!

All Proverb products are rich in anti-oxidants;

Proverb Cleanse & Shave Nutrient Mud - Avocado, Acai, Tomato, Mountain Pepper, and Jojoba

Proverb Strengthening Skin Serum - Acai, Orange, Papaya, Sea Buckthorn, Lemon, Pomegranate, Mountain Pepper...and many more! 

Proverb Hydration Pro Moisturiser - Apricot, Tomato, Sea Buckthorn, Mountain Pepper, Argan

Proverb Oil Balance Pro Moisturiser - Tomato, Clove, Mountain Pepper, Orange, Acai

Proverb Skin Definition Facial Scrub - Tomato, Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Clove

Anti-oxidants are in essence about slowing down the signs of ageing, helping to prevent damage from the environment on your skin, keeping you looking all fresh and youthful. Make sure that when you're putting stuff on your skin, you turn round the bottle and read the label as you would with food...look for ingredients rich in anti-oxidants that will give you true skin benefits and long term results".

Kirstie Sherriff, Proverb Founder.