Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. These special chemicals assist in skin repair and the strengthening of blood vessels. Antioxidants are necessary because they combat free radicals. Free radicals start a chain reaction under the skin's surface, and outlined below is the process of destruction. They have an unpaired electron in their outer orbital, making the molecule unstable.
Free radicals attempt to gain an electron from natural proteins in the skin to acquire stability.
This sets off a chain reaction because all molecules want to form an octet, which is an atom with eight valence electrons. Therefore, the structure of our skin is damaged and its cellular structure is weakened. Free radicals also alter our DNA, which results in aging and illness. Some forces that cause free radicals are air pollution, sunlight, alcohol, and cigarette smoke . Proanthocyanidin , or OPC, is the most powerful antioxidant known.