It is proven that 4 out of 5 wrinkles are caused by free radicals, unstable particles that degrade collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts, reducing skin tone, radiance, and elasticity.
What are free radicals
They are molecules generated by our body through normal cellular metabolism and respiration, but they can also be produced by external (exogenous) factors such as:
- UV rays: drastically accelerate photoaging.
- Pollution and smoke: generate toxins that attack the skin barrier.
- Stress and lifestyle: increase the production of cortisol.
Free radicals are harmful because they are unstable: they contain one less electron and, to regain balance, they steal electrons from healthy cells, turning them into free radicals in turn and triggering a chain reaction called oxidative stress. This continuous process damages cellular structures, including proteins and DNA.
It is impossible to eliminate free radicals entirely, as they are natural products of our metabolism, but they can be neutralized with the help of antioxidants.
What are antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that donate an electron to free radicals without becoming unstable themselves, thereby blocking the chain reaction of oxidative damage. They are essential elements for the health of the body and skin.
Our body independently produces some antioxidants, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase, while we obtain others through food — particularly fruit, vegetables, oil — and by drinking tea!
Each tea leaf actually contains 30% antioxidants (catechins) that slow down and neutralize the harmful action of free radicals and counteract oxidative stress.
The drink richest in antioxidants? Matcha tea.
Matcha tea contains exceptional levels of catechins and, in particular, Epigallocatechins (EGCG), among the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, with a concentration higher than all other superfoods. The reason is linked to the particular cultivation technique: the plants are kept in the shade for about 20 days before harvest, during which — to defend themselves from the sudden darkness — they produce a greater quantity of antioxidant substances, vitamin C, caffeine, and chlorophyll, which gives the leaves their characteristic bright green color.
In addition to matcha, other types of non-fermented tea are also a natural source of antioxidants for the body and skin:
- White tea: obtained only from the youngest buds and leaves, it is the richest in antioxidant catechins (EGCG), folic acid, and vitamin C.
- Green tea: does not undergo fermentation and thus preserves catechins and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6). Its pleasant flavor, combined with its high antioxidant content, has made it one of the most widely consumed types of tea in the world.
Tea antioxidants: how they help protect the skin
Tea is not only one of the most popular drinks in the world, but also an effective skincare ingredient. Every day, the skin is exposed to external factors such as UV rays, pollution, and environmental stress that can promote the formation of free radicals and trigger oxidative stress.
Over time, this process can contribute to accelerating the appearance of visible signs of skin aging: loss of radiance, less uniform tone, and reduced elasticity. Tea antioxidants help neutralize free radicals before they can trigger these reactions, preserving the longevity of the skin.
From the cup to skincare: the antioxidant efficacy of Tea Infusion Skincare®
A skincare routine rich in antioxidants helps keep the skin fresh, toned, and radiant. It improves and evens out the complexion, preventing the formation of spots, redness, and acne inflammation. Furthermore, tea catechins are studied for their soothing properties and their ability to modulate certain processes related to skin stress and environmental aggression.
The antioxidant efficacy of the tea infusions we use in every formula — in place of water — has been clinically proven by tests conducted by an independent laboratory using innovative technology (Tea Pollution Test), which allows for the assessment of anti-pollution efficacy and the ability to counteract oxidative stress.
It has been clinically proven that green tea, black tea, matcha tea, blue tea, and white tea infusions produced with the patented Tea Infusion Skincare® technology:
- Improve cellular vitality following stimulation with fine particles (environmental pollution)
- Improve cellular vitality following stimulation with UV rays
- Reduce free radical (ROS) levels in all treated cells
- Fight cellular aging
Incorporating cosmetics formulated with antioxidant ingredients into your routine means focusing above all on prevention, helping the skin maintain radiance, uniformity, and vitality for longer. They do not replace sunscreen, but they represent a valuable daily support to help the skin defend itself from environmental stressors.
And it is precisely here that tea reveals all its strength: a plant used for millennia that today, thanks to cosmetic research, has become a true concentrate of protection for skin longevity.
