Antioxidants : What are their roles and benefits?

You've probably heard of antioxidants, the molecules that play such an important role in our health and vitality, but do you know exactly what they do, and in which foods and skincare products you can find them? Do you know how they act on a daily basis to preserve the youthfulness of your body - and your skin? Here's a closer look at these molecules with their many benefits, which are good for you in every way!

Antioxidants is an umbrella term for a number of substances. They include vitamins, trace elements and amino acids. Examples include vitamins A, C and E, and trace elements such as zinc, selenium and manganese. You may also have heard of polyphenols or carotenoids, well-known antioxidant molecules found in large quantities in grapes and carrots.

The role of antioxidants, as their name suggests, is to combat oxidation in the body. Naturally, our bodies produce free radicals, unstable atoms which, in order to stabilize, attach themselves to other cells. Their presence is unavoidable, and while they may be necessary in small quantities - to fight microbes and viruses, for example - too many free radicals will have significant consequences on health: cell degeneration, infections, the appearance of diseases such as cancer...

The number of free radicals increases if your lifestyle leaves something to be desired: pollution, smoking, alcohol, unbalanced diet, UV rays... all increase oxidative stress, i.e. the aging of the body in general, and the skin in particular. Antioxidants play an essential role in the beauty of the epidermis: they have the capacity to block the proliferation of free radicals and counter oxidative stress to help your face stay young and healthy.

Where can you find zinc, carotenoids, polyphenols, selenium and all the antioxidants that contribute to beautiful skin? First of all, you can boost your intake with good eating habits. Eating a variety of balanced products every day is one of the best ways to fill up on antioxidants. Unsurprisingly, fruits and vegetables contain large quantities. Dried beans, red fruit (cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.), artichokes, prunes and pecans are among the foods that contain the most antioxidants. Generally speaking, red, orange and purple fruits and vegetables are considered to have interesting antioxidant properties. Drinking green tea is also a great way to get your fill! Of course, you can also opt for dietary supplements to support your dietary intake.

As you can see, while antioxidants contribute to good health, they also work to promote beautiful skin, giving it more radiance and delaying skin ageing. Your skin benefits directly from a diet rich in antioxidants: a good reason to adopt good mealtime habits. However, you can boost this intake by opting for antioxidant-rich beauty products. For example, vitamin C, like vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant found in various types of skin care products: radiance cream, anti-aging serum, night cream...

At Polaar, we know all about the benefits of these active ingredients for the skin, and have integrated them into our product ranges to help you look after your skin.

During our expeditions to the Arctic Circle, we discovered several plants with exceptional properties. Forced to acclimatize to a harsh climate (violent winds, temperatures down to -50°C...), they have developed antioxidant levels 2 to 3 times higher than average. You'll find their incredible benefits for the skin in Polaar skin care products. Let's make the introductions!

Siberian Olive, a small berry bursting with antioxidants and with extraordinary properties, is one of Our active ingredients stars. It thrives in Russian regions and boasts exceptional regenerative properties. Judge for yourself: its berries contain not only vitamins A and E, but also 30 times more vitamin C than an orange! A particularity that even led the former USSR to classify it as a defense secret.

In fact, it has become the flagship active ingredient in our Eclat Boréal range, designed to awaken, illuminate and smooth the skin through three magical treatments: Micro-Peeling Mousse, Anti-Imperfection Solution and Smoothing Cream. The combination of three extraordinary active ingredients (anti-oxidantSiberian Olive , exfoliating salicylic acid and an anti-pollution filter) revives the complexion, refines skin texture and protects it from external aggression. 

Our advice: cleanse your face with Micro-Peeling Foam. Its gentle peeling effect rids the face of dulling dead cells, thanks to the presence of the first natural plant salicylic acid, better tolerated by all skin types. 

The Anti-Imperfection Solution and Eclat Boréal Smoothing Cream then take over to matify, smooth skin texture, moisturize and restore radiance.

Among the natural anti-oxidants used in our formulas are Arctic Berries. These red berries (Raspberries, Arctic Cranberry and Blackberries), sustainably grown and harvested in Finland, have developed incredible anti-oxidant properties to combat cold and harsh climatic conditions. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, they are unrivalled in their ability to protect and nourish even the most sensitive skin. You'll find them in our The Genuine Lapland Cream range: Face and Sensitive Areas Cream, Hand Cream, Lip Balm and Moisturizing Body Milk envelop your skin in softness, to repair it and help it face up to all external aggressions!

Siberian ginseng is one of the treasures of the polar landscapes. Packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, its energizing and stimulating properties make it a highly interesting ingredient in cosmetics! In fact, it's the star ingredient in our Icy Magic range, also known as the "Magic Eye Wand". The Instant Eye Contour Energiser awakens your eye contour in a single gesture, just like after 8 hours' sleep!

Finally, a closer look at Nunatak Flowers, which, unlike 90% of all plants, managed to survive the last Ice Age. The secret of these Arctic flowers? They took refuge beyond the eternal snows, under rocky peaks, and developed their own defense system by gorging themselves with antioxidants. Their highly pure plant stem cells are capable of regenerating the skin, brightening it and slowing down its aging process. Find them in our Neige Eternelle anti-aging range : serum, cream and eye contour will preserve and reveal your skin's beauty, day after day.

Our skincare products are vegan, cruelty-free and made in France. For each of our formulas, we give priority to pure, natural active ingredients with proven efficacy, pleasant textures and enchanting fragrances to make the application of your skincare a great moment of relaxation.