Let’s talk about antioxidants – a group of skincare ingredients that are present in every single cosmetic bottle you own. I know you know antioxidants are good for you, but do you know why exactly you pat them onto your face everyday? Does it matter which ones you use or will they ultimately give you the same result at the end of the day? Let’s check!
What are antioxidants and why should you care?
Simply said, antioxidants are molecules that add a shield to your skin to protect it from free radicals – the “bad guys” that draw life out of your face.
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are always on the offensive as they come from things like air pollutants, chemicals, smoke, and the sun. You can’t stop their assault on your cells, nor can you hide from them – they are just everywhere. You may not notice their devastating impact on your skin from one day to another, but it’s enough to look at a sliced open apple to see how it browns (oxidizes) and loses the fight to the free radicals in mere minutes.
However, if you cut an apple open and pour some lemon juice on it, you will postpone that oxidation (browning) a bit. This is exactly what antioxidants do for the skin. They postpone the oxidation of the cells, and with it the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, skin sagging due to collagen and elastin deterioration. Your complexion will never have enough antioxidants. The more of them you give to your skin the better.
So, will all antioxidants give you the same final result at the end of the day? Well, yes and no. They all reduce the oxidative stress to your skin caused by free radicals and they all postpone your aging. Where they differ however, is firstly their level of effectiveness in doing just that, and secondly their transformative capacity, the capacity to reverse the negative effects of oxidative stress that has already affected your skin.
How to choose the best antioxidants for your skin?
First of all, try to choose products that contain not 1 but at least 2 or 3 different antioxidants, as their combined effect is much greater than the sum of the effects of each of them separately.
Secondly, pick your desired effect and then go for the antioxidant group that can provide it. As a general rule, if you want to soothe your skin, try polyphenols (you can find them in green tea). If you are more interested in brightening, then vitamin C will be your best bet. And if you want something with an anti-aging effect, reach for vitamin A.
Thirdly, keep in mind that the cosmetic world is full of antioxidants. They are in every single product out there. Some of them, usually vitamin E, aka tocopherols, and Rosemary Extract are used by the formulators so the products themselves won’t spoil. In my opinion, it is simply not worth buying anything marketed as “Vitamin E rich” or “Rosemary Extract rich” because these antioxidants are a foundation of almost every formulation out there. If a brand markets its product with these ingredients, most probably the product has nothing else to offer. There are many more powerful antioxidants that are worth your while.
7 antioxidants that are worth trying.
Retinol and its derivatives – try these if you want to speed up cellular turnover (and by this improve the tone and texture of your skin), stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, firm the skin.
Vitamin C – vitamin C inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for melanin production). By doing so it can reduce hyperpigmentation, even out your skin tone and in general, brighten your complexion.
Resveratrol – This is great at reducing inflammation and keeping redness at bay. Additionally it can preserve collagen levels and lightly brighten the skin.
Cetechin – This phytonutrient found in green tea offers some superb soothing capacities. If you have inflamed, itchy or simply sensitive skin, green tea extract is for you.
Niacinamide – This form of vitamin B visibly improves skin tone and texture. It also has some skin brightening properties, but it is best to pair it with some other ingredients like for example N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG).
Curcumin – This active ingredient found in turmeric is well known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Actually, it is so good that it circumvents the inflammation process before it starts. It also helps with acne causing bacteria.
Coenzyme Q10 – This active ingredient stimulates cellular activity, smooths fine lines and speeds up wound healing.
The best thing about antioxidants is that you can easily find products with a good selection of them at very accessible prices. Every single antioxidant serum out there will do some good things for your skin as long as you keep using it often. Just go ahead and try some ingredients from the selection I made for you above. Your skin will thank you, I promise.
