Air Pollution in Indonesia is Getting Worse, Regular Consumption of High Antioxidant Intake

Dream - The level of air pollution in several cities in Indonesia is currently worrying. High levels of pollution not only affect the health of the body, but also the skin.

That's why there are more and more body and skin treatments that can be done to prevent and overcome the negative effects of pollution. The treatments don't have to be expensive. 

Dream friends can start prevention by consuming foods that contain high antioxidants to counteract free radicals caused by pollution. As quoted from Klik Dokter, here are everyday foods that are high in antioxidants and easy to find.

Broccoli

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Broccoli is a superfood that has many benefits for the body. Of course, broccoli contains high antioxidants that can counteract toxins from air pollution.

Processing broccoli should also be done properly. Make sure not to cook broccoli at high temperatures or for too long, so that its nutrients are preserved.

Steam or boil broccoli using medium heat for a short time. Add a little salt or other seasonings to enhance the taste.

Avocado

Avocado, which is often used as a diet breakfast, is also high in antioxidants. In fact, avocado is claimed to help maintain skin health and overcome asthma relapses due to air pollution entering the lungs. Dream friends can prepare avocado by using it as a sandwich filling or making juice.

Olive Oil

Not only used for cooking low-fat foods, olive oil also contains antioxidants that counteract free radicals. Vitamin E and fatty acids in olive oil can also maintain lung health and reduce inflammation. Olive oil can be used not only for frying, but also as a salad dressing.

Nuts

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Nuts contain kaempferol antioxidants that can help reduce chronic inflammation and suppress cancer growth. Dream friends can use nuts as a diet snack or as a topping for other healthy foods.

How 4 Variants of Antioxidants Work to Make the Skin Glow

Dream - In recent years, antioxidants have become ingredients commonly found in skincare products. Antioxidants not only counteract free radicals, but also various skin problems.

You just need to choose the right type of antioxidant for your skin. Skincare products containing antioxidants should also be used with caution.

Not all antioxidants can be used together with other skincare products. To learn more about antioxidants, here is an explanation quoted from Byrdie.

How do antioxidants work?

Antioxidants are very effective substances in protecting skin cells from free radicals by releasing electrons. Free radicals can come from air pollution, blue light from gadgets, and oxidative stress that can cause premature aging, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, and other skin problems.

If you want to use skincare products with antioxidant content, here are several types that can be chosen to maintain the health of your skin.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid can protect the skin from the harmful effects of oxidative stress that can cause hyperpigmentation, changes in skin texture, fine lines, and dullness.

You can use it along with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which are often found in wheat, brown rice, and apples. In addition, vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen in protecting the skin from sun exposure.

2. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is one of the main forms of vitamin B3 that can strengthen the skin's protective barrier, treat acne, rosacea, pigmentation problems, and prevent or reduce wrinkles.

You can also use it to prevent or treat hyperpigmentation and blackheads. If you want to use it, avoid using AHA or BHA at the same time.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

There are many beauty products that contain hyaluronic acid. This ingredient aims to maintain skin hydration, strengthen the skin's protective barrier, prevent free radicals, and help reduce hyperpigmentation and signs of aging. The texture of the skin will also be smoother when using beauty products that contain this ingredient.

4. Retinol

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that can help with cell regeneration, stimulate collagen, and repair damaged DNA.

Unfortunately, retinol must be used very carefully. If not, retinol can cause skin problems that are very disturbing and difficult to treat, especially for sensitive skin.

If you want to try it, use products that contain low concentrations of retinol, around 0.1-0.25 percent. You can gradually increase the dosage if there are no harmful skin reactions.

When using retinol regularly, about 1-2 times a week, you should use sunscreen every morning until afternoon. This is because the use of retinol can make the skin sensitive to UV exposure.

Report: Syifa Putri Naomi