Antioxidants are the Missing Ingredient in your Skincare

Many people are familiar with antioxidants in their dietary supplements or nutrients in the food we consume. However, when it comes to topically-applied antioxidants in skincare, these ingredients are a little less known. Just as they can protect your body from potentially damaging molecules, antioxidants applied to the skin may help to keep it healthy, clear and smooth.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants work to neutralize the oxidation of free radicals in the body and skin, thus helping to prevent potential oxidative damage. In simpler words, they prevent this oxidative stress on the skin which would otherwise cause unwanted skin conditions.

Oxidative damage to the molecules in the skin can be caused by the sun's UV rays, air pollution or other environmental factors. These stressors can result in premature aging of the skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots, as well as skin diseases like melanoma.

Some of the most notable antioxidants that be applied topically or taken orally, include:

• Vitamin C -  Vitamin C, or THD Ascorbate, is a powerful and very well-known antioxidant that brightens skin tone and helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles. Making it a perfect anti-aging product. The only caveats to topical vitamin C, is that it is light sensitive and requires a very specific acidic pH to remain stable. Therefore, it can easily become oxidized when it’s exposed to air. If your Vitamin C started off clear or only slightly yellow and has turned to an amber color, its time for a new bottle.
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E, which can be listed as tocopherol or tocotrienols, is another antioxidant that has numerous skin benefits. Vitamin E actually has been proven to increase the efficacy of vitamin C when paired in the right ratio. The vitamin has also been known to protect the skin from environmental stressors, including UV damage.
• Vitamin A - Vitamin A, is a form of Retinol, one of the most powerful topical anti-aging.  A fun little fact - you're body can't produce collagen with Vitamin C. Therefore, if you're using Retinol without a Vitamin C, you're not getting the full benefits.
• Polyphenols - Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Polyphenols are abundant in foods such as grapes, olives, and green tea. Which can also be used as topical ingredients in anti-aging skincare. Polyphenols are great at providing anti-inflammatory, protecting, and calming effects.

How to Use Antioxidants in Skincare:

There are a couple of methods to use antioxidants in skincare products. One way is to choose products that blend these ingredients together. For example, SkinBetter’s Daily Eye Cream contains vitamin C in it. So you get antioxidant benefits plus the benefits of using an eye cream. Another way to use antioxidants is to buy serums specifically for the antioxidant you want to use. For example, Revision Skincare has a Vitamin C serum and Vitamin K. Another, newer, option is using a blend of multiple antioxidants all in one product. SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum has 19 antioxidants and provides 360-degree skin support against environmental stressors.

The Bottom Line:

Antioxidants can be an excellent addition to your anti-aging skincare routine, and the truth is that you really can’t ever have too many of them. Providing your entire body with plenty of antioxidants may offer countless health benefits, including helping to minimize the appearance of file lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and discoloration. Using the right blend of ingredients can help you achieve the glowing and youthful-looking skin you’ve always wanted.