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Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that help protect the skin’s cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Too many free radicals cause oxidative stress, which results in collagen breaking down, impairs the skins natural repair process and causes inflammation. It also disrupts the skin barrier and dysregulates the skins microbiome. By topically applying antioxidants you can help the skin looking and feeling healthier and younger.
What are Antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a molecule stable enough to donate an electron to a free radical without becoming destabilized itself. This process neutralizes the free radical, reducing its potential to cause harm. Antioxidants in skincare products work much like they do in our bodies. They form a defensive shield, neutralizing free radicals generated from environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants prevent premature skin aging and maintain skin health and vibrancy.
Popular Antioxidants in Skincare
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): a water-soluble vitamin that aids in collagen production and improves hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a more even and brighter appearance.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): is a powerful antioxidant that improves the skin’s texture and tone. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin A (Retinol): Retinol boosts skin cell turnover, effectively stimulating collagen production and accelerating cell renewal and repair. It has proven effects at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin tone and discoloration.
- Resveratrol: known as the “longevity molecule” thanks to its impressive anti-aging abilities, this compound, found in red wine and berries, has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
- Green tea: contains polyphenols which help to protect against free radical damage that can occur from oxidative stress, resulting from environmental factors, including pollution.
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidants and supports skin repair and hydration.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid: Also known as ‘the universal antioxidant’, it that can penetrate both water and oil-based skin layers, providing thorough protection against oxidative stress.
Incorporating Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine
Many skincare products are abundant in antioxidants. Begin your day with a Vitamin C serum, follow it with a moisturizer infused with plant polyphenols and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. In your night routine, incorporate a retinol product before your moisturizer. Remember, consistency is key, and patience is your friend in skincare journeys.
While antioxidants are generally safe, some people may experience reactions, especially when combining several at the same time. It’s advised to perform a patch test or consult a dermatologist, especially when using potent substances like retinol. Additionally, antioxidants are just one piece of the holistic skincare puzzle. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and good sleep are all required to complement your skincare routine.
Utilizing the strength of antioxidants can dramatically transform your skincare regimen. These potent molecules serve as a formidable shield against skin-damaging free radicals, promoting healthy and youthful skin.
