Ellagic Acid, A Potent Antioxidant Beauty Booster

Smoggy skies, micro-particles, exhaust fumes, central heating, cigarette smoke... And doesn't our skin know it! Here's a closer look at ellagic acid, a marvellous skin-friendly first-aider.

On a surface level they destroy the hydrolipidic layer that keeps our skin hydrated. Our skin dehydrates, becoming dry, tight and itchy. Inflammatory problems arise, our complexion dulls and red patches crop up on the tip of our nose. What's more blemishes appear as our pores get clogged. Not a pretty sight! On a deeper level, our skin's internal scaffolding (collagen and elastin) begins to crumble, meaning our epidermis loses elasticity. In other words, our sub-cutaneous support system goes haywire. The result: our skin ages at a rate of knots, our faces lose their plumpness and our wrinkles start breeding like rabbits.

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol, part of the antioxidant family that keeps the baddies at bay. - On a surface level, ellagic acid is a free radical guzzler that protects our skin from oxidative stress. This means that our first line of defence - the fats in the hydrolipidic layer - remain intact. So our skin stays well-hydrated. And our faces remain supple and radiant. - On a dermal level, it boosts the production of collagen fibres and keeps them in tip top shape. At the same time, it attaches itself to elastin fibres, forming a protective sheaf to keep them healthy for a longer. There's also strong evidence to suggest that it stimulates the production of elastin. - On a cellular level, it prevents lesions caused by changes in DNA.In other words, ellagic acid helps to protect our skin and regenerate its various layers. So a big up to ellagic acid, as we kiss goodbye dry, dehydrated skin, dull complexions and saggy features!

Ellagic acid is an upcoming star in the world of cosmetics thanks to its anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing properties. When blended into creamy, easily absorbed textures (according to your skin type) it's proving to be a powerful, turbo-charged antioxidant. You'll also find ellagic acid in loads of fruit and veg. Pile your plate with small red fruits - strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and pomegranate seeds are your best bet. One gram of dried raspberry, for example, contains 1,500 micrograms of ellagic acid. What's more, ellagic acid is heat and cold-resistant, meaning you munch on these fruits however they come: puree, jam, sorbet, smoothies, fresh - the choice is yours! Our personal fave? A strawberry and vanilla smoothie! Blend 200 grams of frozen strawberries with a pot of natural yoghurt, a vanilla pod and 20 centilitres of strawberry juice. Delish!