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What do Antioxidants do for your skin?

antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemicals produced naturally that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. There are many factors that can affect your skin in harmful ways. Elements such as air pollution, cigarette smoke and sunshine are culprits that act against the skin by damaging it. Antioxidants help by slowing or preventing the effect of these free radicals, which start oxidation - a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction. If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they end up being oxidized. This is why it's important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants. In addition to helping fortify cells against free radicals, antioxidants also encourage cell and tissue growth, by helping to produce Collagen helping to fight fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Antioxidants help correct signs of age
  • Antioxidants help skin repair itself
  • Antioxidants help prevent sun damage
  • Antioxidants help brighten skin tone

So it's not only important to apply sunscreen daily to prevent premature ageing and skin cancer, but also apply an antioxidant to protect you from environmental damage that can also accelerate ageing and even contribute to skin cancer.

Some of the most common antioxidants used in skincare are beta carotene, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, green tea, idebenone, superoxide, dismutase, and vitamins E & C.

Our Experts Favourite Antioxidant Serums 

MEDIK8 C TETRA

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has a number of roles alongside being an antioxidant. 
It is a brightening agent, an anti-inflammatory and stimulates collagen production.


Read more about Vitamin C Here

Best vitamin C Serum for beginners - Medik8 C-Tetra Serum

Pro Tip: Start low and increase strength slowly 

We LOVE  Jan Marini C-esta Serum 

If you suffer from Rosacea We LOVE iS CLINICAL Pro-Heal

If you suffer from breakouts We LOVE SkinCeuticals Silymarin 

If you suffer from Pigmentation We LOVE SkinCeuticals Phloretin C F 

 

 

C E FERULIC

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is commonly known for offering soothing and nourishing benefits. 

Shown to limit the potential damage associated with UVB radiation from sunlight.

Often added with Vitamin C to increase your skin's natural defenses against sun damage. 

We LOVE SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 

Triple antioxidant serum (Vitamin C, Ferulic acid & Vitamin E)

 

 

colorescience flex

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in our bodies. It improves the barrier performance of the outer layer of the skin by increasing cell turnover and lipid production, thereby making the skin better at retaining moisture. The benefits of a well-regulated barrier mechanism are many, including the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and redness.

Niacinamide is an extremely effective skin-repairing & protecting ingredient, so it’s not surprising that it's in many sunscreens, anti-aging, pigmentation, Rosacea, and acne products.

We Love 

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

PCA Skin Vitamin b3 Brightening Serum 

Read more about Niacinamide Here

 

 

resveratrol

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant that can be found in grapes, red wine and berries.

This potent antioxidant’s unique multi-action approach helps neutralise free radicals, which damage cells leading to tissue damage, and promotes the production of the skin’s natural antioxidants.

We Love SkinCeuticals Resveratrol 

 

 

Mixed Antioxidants ( Green Tea,  Lilac, and Chardonnay Grape Seed...)

We Love Exuviance Professional Supercharge AOX Serum & NeoStrata Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum

 

SHOP ANTIOXIDANTS SERUMS

For more information, visit WebMD and read their article which explains the importance of antioxidants in skincare, remember you need to use the correct strength of antioxidants in order for them to be effective. If you need professional skincare advice, don't hesitate to contact us. 

A photo of Andrea Patel
Andrea Patel Dermatology Nurse Practitioner & Director Author
View all posts by Andrea Patel