You’ve probably been told your entire life how important it is to eat your fruits every day to get your dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re so important for keeping your immune system healthy and protecting you from environmental triggers- but did you know they’re also great for your skin? Antioxidants can be found all over the skincare domain today, and they’re great for your skin. What do they do for your skin, exactly? Read on to find out.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are chemical compounds that inhibit oxidation, which produces free radicals that can damage skin cells. They block free radicals that come from the sun and help protect the skin from that potential damage. Oxidation is caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that try to bind with other molecules to become stable. This is what causes damage to skin cells and can lead to aging, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots on the skin. Antioxidants are clinically proven to help fight free radical damage in the skin and avoid oxidation and oxidative stress. This means antioxidants are great for anti-aging efforts, including the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles and collagen breakdown. They also help the skin repair itself by reducing inflammation and damage within the skin and stimulating collagen production.
How should I use antioxidants in my skincare routine?
Vitamin C:
Antioxidants can be found in a multitude of ways in skincare, but the most well-known form is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for not only protecting your skin from free radicals but it’s also known for brightening your skin and evening out uneven skin tone and texture. One of our favorite Vitamin C saviors is the Revision Skincare C Correcting Complex 30%. This powerful skin treatment delivers a blast of next-generation Vitamin C to the skin, along with Vitamin E and peptides. It not only contains Vitamin C to deliver to the skin, but it also helps the skin’s natural production of Vitamins C and E for a more youthful appearance. Another derm favorite is the Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum, which boosts, firms, and evens skin with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide:
Niacinamide is another great example of an antioxidant that’s commonly found in skincare products. It can also be known as Vitamin B3 and is known to help improve skin tone and texture, dullness, and signs of aging. It’s also beloved due to its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to heal acne or other inflammation on the skin. It’s also great for sensitive and reactive skin. A great powerhouse serum with niacinamide is the Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, which utilizes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and more to even out skin tone and reveal a brighter complexion. Another great option is the SkinMedica Lytera 2.0, formulated with niacinamide and peptides to address discoloration in the skin and improve overall tone and texture.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that we’re big fans of. Not only is it a necessary antioxidant for the skin, but it’s needed all around the body as well. Vitamin E is helpful in the skin’s natural healing processes and is a great ingredient for hydrating and healing dry skin. It’s found in many products created for sensitive skin, and it doesn’t show irritation or other side effects. It’s especially effective when paired with another antioxidant like Vitamin C, as it helps them perform better. The SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex does just that, with a combination of Vitamins C & E that fights signs of aging and uneven skin tone. It brightens the skin and helps decrease any appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Resveratrol:
Known for its anti-aging abilities, resveratrol is typically found in plants and fruit. It acts as an armor for the skin, keeping it free of environmental bacteria and infection. It’s also anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, helping to soothe and calm the skin and avoid irritation. This antioxidant is best used in the evening, away from UV rays. One of our favorite serums with resveratrol is the PCA Skin Resveratrol Restorative Complex, as it fights signs of aging and repairs cell damage.
Overall, antioxidants are great for your skin and body. Make sure you’re getting plenty of antioxidants in your diet and plenty in your skincare routine and watch your skin transform!
