Antioxidants are quite the buzzword in the skincare industry, and for good reason. These powerful defenders work to protect our skin from free radicals—unstable molecules in the body that cause damage to our cells which can lead to premature aging, among other issues. I’ll explore the multiple benefits of using topical antioxidants in skincare and how they can help you achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin.
- What Are Antioxidants
- How Do Antioxidants Benefit the Skin
- Top Antioxidants in Skincare
- Incorporating Antioxidant Skincare Products
WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are substances that help protect us from free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally during cell metabolism, but can also result from external factors like pollution, UV rays, smoking, stress, and even the natural aging process. When free radicals accumulate in the body, they can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, which leads to inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by donating an electron, which stabilizes the molecule and prevents it from causing further damage.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. When free radicals build up in the skin, they cause oxidative stress, which leads to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and dehydration. When applied topically, antioxidants are able to penetrate the skin’s surface and provide a protective shield against free radicals. Some common antioxidants found in skincare products include vitamins C, E, and A, as well as polyphenols, resveratrol, CoQ10, and niacinamide, among others. Incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products into your routine can help promote healthy, youthful-looking skin and provide protection from environmental stressors.
ANTIOXIDANTS BENEFITS FOR SKIN
- Support Healthy Aging: Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, which cause premature aging. By protecting the skin from oxidative stress, antioxidants help boost collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and providing firming effects.
- Brighten: Antioxidants help brighten and even out the skin tone by inhibiting melanin production and promoting cell turnover, therefore reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Smooth: Antioxidants aid in refining skin texture and rough patches with gentle exfoliating properties, improving the health and texture of your skin and leaving it looking smooth and radiant.
- Soothe and Calm: Certain antioxidants, like green tea and chamomile, have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm irritated skin. This can be particularly helpful for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, or conditions such as rosacea.
- Hydrate: Antioxidants help hydrate the skin by reducing inflammation and protecting against environmental stressors. This, in turn, helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing water loss, leading to a more hydrated and healthy complexion.
- Provide Sun Protection: Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, offer protection from harmful UV rays by neutralizing free radicals caused by sun exposure and inhibiting melanin production. While antioxidants are not a substitute for sunscreen, they provide an extra layer of protection against sun damage and boost the efficacy of your SPF.
TOP ANTIOXIDANTS IN SKINCARE
There are many different types of antioxidants found in skincare products. I’ve outlined some of the most popular, along with what makes them so beneficial.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is considered to be the #1 healthy-aging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that reduces the signs of extrinsic aging and improves overall skin health. It’s an all-star ingredient that contributes to many skin benefits, including: hydration, evening out skin tone, brightening, softening fine lines and wrinkles, and healing your skin barrier. Vitamin C also neutralizes damage caused by UV rays by inhibiting melanin production—and with regular use, can prevent dark spots from forming in the first place.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It has gained popularity in recent years as a skincare ingredient due to its various benefits for the skin. Niacinamide is known to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also effective in treating hyperpigmentation, reducing redness, and protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is increasingly being used in skincare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol protects the skin from environmental stressors and aging by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. Additionally, resveratrol boosts collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is a powerful antioxidant that provides many benefits to the skin. It helps protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors that can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process. Vitamin E adds moisture to nourish the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Vitamin E also aids in stabilizing other antioxidants improving their effectiveness, so you’ll often find it paired with vitamin C or resveratrol.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has been a popular ingredient in skincare for decades due to its proven ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and correct uneven skin tone. It stimulates cell turnover, promotes collagen production, and increases skin elasticity. Retinol can also improve acne and fade dark spots. However, it’s important to note that retinol can irritate the skin, especially those with sensitive skin. Starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing usage over time is recommended. Additionally, retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to use your retinol correctives at night, and it’s crucial to wear sunscreen daily.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a vital role in cellular energy production. Recently, it has gained popularity in skincare due to its anti-aging benefits. CoQ10 levels in the skin decrease as we age, leading to diminished collagen production and an increase in free radical damage. When applied topically, CoQ10 reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by neutralizing those free radicals and supporting collagen production. It also improves skin hydration and overall texture.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a class of antioxidants naturally found in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and red wine. These compounds have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including protecting the skin against UV damage and pollution. When applied topically in skincare products, polyphenols reduce inflammation, improve skin texture, and increase hydration. They also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and repairing DNA damage.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, found in our skin, eyes, and connective tissues. It’s a popular ingredient in skincare due to its ability to attract and retain water and keep the skin hydrated. As we age, our natural production decreases, leading to dehydrated, dry skin and fine lines. Using products with added hyaluronic acid help replenish our skin’s moisture levels and improve its texture and appearance. It is a safe and effective ingredient for all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
Superoxide Dismutase
Superoxide dismutase, or SOD, is an antioxidant-rich enzyme that plays an integral role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress. SOD is the first line of defense to break down free radicals in the skin into less destructive molecules, paving the way for other antioxidants to complete the elimination process. This, in turn, protects against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. SOD also aids in repairing damaged skin cells and promoting the growth of new cells, improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that is becoming increasingly popular in skincare. It is a type of carotenoid found in red algae and has been shown to have more antioxidant power than stars such as vitamins C and E and CoQ10. Astaxanthin provides a number of benefits for the skin, including improving elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting a more even skin tone. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and inflammation. Additionally, oral astaxanthin supplementation can protect the skin against damaging UV rays by suppressing the cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. It is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and other environmental stressors. Glutathione is found in many fruits and vegetables and is also naturally produced by the liver. In addition to its antioxidant properties, glutathione is also known for its skin-lightening effects. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Extremozymes
Extremozymes are enzymes derived from extremophilic plants. The name “extremophile” directly translates to “extreme-loving,” meaning these plants thrive in unforgiving conditions and can be found in some of the harshest environments on the planet. Much like they do for extremophilic plants, these enzymes can shield and protect our skin. They work like bubble wrap, cushioning our DNA and other vital structures to protect them from free radicals and daily toxins. This process can also help significantly boost cell regeneration and healing, which in turn promotes healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
INCORPORATING ANTIOXIDANT SKINCARE PRODUCTS INTO YOUR ROUTINE
There are many different ways to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine, including:
- Choose an Antioxidant-Rich Cleanser
Cleansers are the first step in an effective skincare routine-cleansed skin drinks up vital nutrients. Find cleansers containing antioxidants such as green tea or chamomile to help soothe and calm irritated skin while adding protection from free radical damage.
- Use an Antioxidant-Rich Serum
Serums are easily absorbed into the skin and are highly effective, so are a great way to incorporate potent antioxidants into your routine. Look for restorative ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide or a corrective such as retinol.
- Incorporate an Antioxidant-Rich Moisturizer
Moisturizers add necessary hydration and deliver vital nutrients to the skin. Look for moisturizers that contain antioxidants like vitamin E, green tea, or CoQ10 to help protect and nourish the skin.
- Wear Mineral Sunscreen Daily
Zinc is a known pro-antioxidant agent. Adding mineral sunscreen to your skincare routine provides dual protection to your skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors. Try iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40 for extra protection with extremeozymes.
Top Antioxidant Skincare Products
- Skin Script Citrus-C Nourishing Cream: Great for the minimalist to boost antioxidant protection and brighten skin tone with an all-in-one serum and moisturizer.
- Skin Script Vitamin C Green Tea Serum: Boosted with both antioxidants and peptides, this nourishing serum protects, soothes, and firms the skin.
- iS Clinical GeneXC Serum: Loaded with vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, and extremozymes, this powerhouse is like bubble wrap for your DNA and makes your skin act younger.
- iS Clinical Retinol Emulsion: This unique retinol gives you all the benefits of a skin-renewing serum with a unique formulation to nourish, hydrate, and protect skin as well.
- Rhonda Allison Antiox 18 Complex: Chock full of a potent blend of 18 different antioxidants and peptides, your skin will be strong, firm, and protected.
- Rhonda Allison Pumpkin E Serum: This concentrated, antioxidant-rich oil will breathe life back into tired, dull skin and renew suppleness.
Watch Celine’s Acne Chat on Antioxidants for Clear Skin
Antioxidants are a powerful tool to protect your skin from premature aging while also defending and nourishing the skin. Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine will keep your skin healthy, radiant, and youthful. So, whether you choose to use a vitamin C serum, an antioxidant-rich moisturizer, or a retinol treatment, be sure to take advantage of the numerous benefits antioxidants in skincare have to offer.
Unsure where to start? Reach out for a free skincare checkup, and our licensed estheticians will optimize your routine for the best results. We’ll be here every step of the way!
