We all want to have youthful, glowing skin. There are many antioxidant skincare products on the market that claim they can help you achieve this! Antioxidants in antioxidant skin care products work by neutralizing free radicals and other harmful molecules that cause premature aging. They also prevent wrinkles from forming. In this blog post, we will discuss antioxidant skincare options and tips for choosing the right product for your needs!

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that help protect skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV exposure and pollution. Antioxidants have anti-aging benefits because it cleanses free radicals from your skin that cause damage to collagen and elastin fibers and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Our skin is exposed to free radicals from UV rays and pollutants daily. Free radicals break cells down over time. As the body ages, it loses its ability to fight the effects of free radicals. The result is more free radicals, more oxidative stress, and more damage to cells, which leads to degenerative processes and "normal" aging.

Free radicals can cause “oxidative stress,” a process that can trigger cell damage. Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in a variety of diseases including lung cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Where Do Antioxidants Come From?

The body produces naturally occurring antioxidants that can be powerful, such as alpha-lipoic acid and glutathione. In addition, diets high in vegetables and fruits, are antioxidant-rich foods that provide good sources of vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene. Plants are full of compounds known as phytochemicals—literally, "plant chemicals"—many of which seem to have antioxidant properties as well. The powerful benefits of antioxidants are being used topically such as vitamin c serum to combat aging. Antioxidants can help correct signs of aging, prevent sun damage, repair themselves, and brighten skin tone.

Green tea is known for being antioxidant-rich and for its health benefits. The healthful properties of green tea are largely attributed to polyphenols, chemicals with potent antioxidant properties.

Best Antioxidant Skincare

The potency and types of antioxidants in products vary greatly. Below are some common antioxidants you may want to look for when buying products to incorporate into your skincare routine to address skin aging issues.

Vitamin C

It is a highly effective antioxidant known for its ability to improve the appearance of aging skin over time with continued use. Vitamin C plays a vital role in skin health by stimulating reactions resulting in collagen production. As a result, it boosts the production of collagen to firm skin's surface and fade hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C also can prevent sun damage and inhibit hyperpigmentation when used in conjunction with sunscreen.

Niacinamide B3

Niacinamide B3 helps to improve skin tone and texture resulting in less visible hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. It also can calm inflammation, soothe breakouts, improve skin barrier function, fight redness, and treat rosacea and acne.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant that has reparative effects. The anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties calm skin, reduce skin aging, and keep skin free of infections.

Vitamin E -

Vitamin E accelerates the skin's ability to heal. It also helps stabilize other antioxidants, so it's commonly paired with vitamin C or resveratrol to boost effectiveness and promote healthy skin cell growth.

Retinol

Retinol also known as vitamin A stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell renewal and repair. The molecular structure of retinol is small, allowing it to penetrate deep enough into the skin to effectively neutralize free radicals and increase surface skin cell turnover, making new cells grow underneath. As a result, it reduces the breakdown of collagen and thickens the deeper layer of the skin. It also stimulates the production of new blood vessels on the skin, reducing skin pigmentation.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10's antioxidant properties protect the skin from environmental stressors, energize the skin, and improve moisture retention. In addition to its ability to help even out skin tone, it reduces dullness and tightens up the skin. Furthermore, this antioxidant combats free radical damage for healthier skin cells and stimulates collagen production for improved elasticity and texture.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to prevent UV photo-damage. It improves the skin's natural defense against oxidative stress, prevents signs of aging, and repairs DNA damage.

Antioxidant Supplements

In addition to topical antioxidants, taking antioxidant supplements can improve improve skin health. However, research and clinical trials has not shown antioxidant dietary supplements to be beneficial in preventing diseases such as heart disease, cancer prevention, and other chronic diseases.