Key takeaways
- Free radicals can damage skin and nail tissue.
- Turmeric provides curcuminoids.
- Pine bark provides procyanidins.
- Olive leaf provides oleuropein.
- Colourful foods supply antioxidants too.
"Antioxidant" appears on many skin and nail products. Here's what antioxidants actually do and which ones are found in AppaNail.
What antioxidants do
Free radicals
Unstable molecules produced by sunlight, pollution, smoking, ageing and normal metabolism can damage cells.
Oxidative stress
When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, tissues such as skin and nail beds come under strain.
Antioxidant defence
Antioxidants from food and plants help neutralise free radicals and support healthy tissue.
Key antioxidants in AppaNail
| Ingredient | Main antioxidant |
|---|---|
| Turmeric | Curcuminoids |
| French maritime pine bark | Procyanidins |
| Olive leaf | Oleuropein |
| Cinnamon bark | Polyphenols |
| Vitamin C | Water-soluble antioxidant vitamin |
Antioxidant-rich foods
Blueberries, strawberries, spinach, kale, peppers, tomatoes, nuts, green tea and dark chocolate are excellent sources. AppaNail adds turmeric, pine bark, olive leaf, cinnamon, guggul and vitamin C to its 17-ingredient formula for nails and feet.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – "Antioxidants: in depth."
- NCCIH – "Turmeric."
- Linus Pauling Institute – "Flavonoids" and "Vitamin C."
Common questions
What are antioxidants?
Compounds that help neutralise free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Is pine bark extract an antioxidant?
Yes. French maritime pine bark is rich in procyanidin antioxidants.
Which foods are high in antioxidants?
Berries, leafy greens, peppers, nuts, green tea and dark chocolate.