“Antioxidant” is one of those beauty buzzwords that you’ve likely heard and may have even invested time and money in. There are even brands, such as SkinCeuticals which focus their formulas entirely around the concept. But what actually is an antioxidant? Should you be using one? And which formulation is right for your skin? This is everything you need to know…
What are antioxidants, and why are they important?
To really understand antioxidants’ superpowers, you’ll first need to understand free radicals. These are skin-damaging molecules released by things like air pollution, sunlight and cigarette smoke. Over time, they can cause a huge variety of skin concerns, including dullness, a loss of elasticity, fine lines, uneven texture, and dark spots.
Antioxidants fight against free radicals, which are the biggest destroyer of collagen, as they break down healthy cells and healthy proteins. As we age, this happens more quickly than the body can make new cells or proteins, so using an antioxidant in your routine is crucial. Some may even say that antioxidants are the most important ingredients in skincare products because damaging free radicals are lurking everywhere, invisible to the eye and are very bad news for your skin.
But different antioxidants have different benefits – from glow-boosting to skin-smoothing. Because of this, it’s important to know exactly which antioxidant ingredient suits your skin’s needs the best.
My favourite skin-boosting antioxidant serums
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Resveratrol, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, and niacinamide are some of the best skincare antioxidants – so look for those in the ingredients of your antioxidant serum for reassurance that you are giving your skin the best protection you can.
My favourite antioxidant serums include:
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
Formulated with a highly advanced blend of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), 1% Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, this impressive serum actively defends the skin cells and collagen stores against damage and destruction while aiding the healthy production of vital proteins within the skin. Used daily, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more uniform in texture.
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex
This advanced formulation has 30% THD Vitamin C with an impressive pigment-correcting technology, and the results are impressive for brightening and evening the skin tone. It’s the next generation of Vitamin C, helping to correct existing damage and defend your skin for the future.
SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Serum
Packed with 23 sought-after antioxidants, this serum provides a new level of comprehensive and dynamic defence against free radicals and combines the best possible blend of ingredients to deliver your glowiest skin yet. Use this in the morning before applying your daily sunscreen and watch your skin awaken as if it’s just had a facial.
If you think about your food intake and skincare routine as an opportunity to give yourself the best tools to do the best job and age well, it becomes a much more powerful and positive stance. So go forth, protect, nourish, and detoxify yourself into a balanced and nourished version of yourself, and you will see the results inside and out.