Antioxidants in Skincare

There are phenomenal benefits to using good skincare products on our body because, as we all know, the skin is the largest organ in the human body and is the first defense against any virus or bacteria.

Antioxidants are part of the ingredients used in popular skin care products, which helps in protecting, preventing, and limiting free radical damage to the skin and assisting with hydration and inflammation. This consequently results in the skin looking better and healthier.

Most people spend thousands of dollars on skincare products with the ideology that the more expensive it is then, the more effective or beneficial to our skin.

However, products that contain antioxidants among their ingredients are the primary determinants of just how effective a skincare product is for use. Such products help to protect and feed the skin by shielding it from the damaging effects of free radicals, which ultimately lessen or substantially prevent the signs of aging skin.

What are antioxidants?

So, what are antioxidants? Simply put, they are substances that provide protection to the skin from free radicals within and outside the body system that increases with age, which is further aggravated by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV), cigarette smoke, pollution and other toxic chemicals. Hence the importance of antioxidants as they help stop these free radicals from assaulting the skin and damaging healthy skin cells.

The usage of antioxidants in a skincare regimen has been widely praised by dermatologists who advise that it is a must-have to help reduce pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. There is no limit to the number of antioxidants that can be used in a skincare product because the more you are able to hinder the unstable molecules caused by these free radical formations, the longer you are able to protect and prolong the health of your skin.

Top Five Benefits of Antioxidants in Skin Care

Anti-inflammation
Skin firming
Acts an anti-aging by reducing skin wrinkles
Aids in the restoration of scar injuries
Repair of sun damage

It is important to note that although all types of antioxidants are good for the skin, there are some of these substances that are more potent than others. The most common and effective ones are green tea extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, and Ferulic acid.

Green Tea extract

While this is a very popular beverage, it also serves as an antioxidant extracted from the plant Camellia sinensis. Best known for its soothing tendencies, green tea extract acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that works in preventing sunburn by providing enhanced protection against sun damage and photoaging.

It also acts as an anti-carcinogenic agent, which are chemical substances that help in the prevention of the development of cancerous elements in the body.

A well-functioning green tea extract in any skincare product is essential to protect the skin from free radicals, sunburn as well as prevention of cancer. It is a recommended antioxidant for anyone suffering from sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Resveratrol

This antioxidant helps brighten the skin and prevents the development of wrinkles. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by protecting the skin from UVB-induced photodamage, pigmentation, and collagen degradation.

It is naturally found in red wine, nuts, berries, and grapes. It serves as a plant’s defensive armor, hence the reason why it actively works in promoting the skin’s cell life when included in skincare products.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a natural anti-inflammatory agent best known for its moisturizing effect, which is why it is commonly found in moisturizers, creams, and lotions designed to treat dry skin and stretch marks.

This anti-oxidant acts as a protective barrier against free radicals and premature aging. It can naturally be found in various food products such as seeds, meat, and vegetables. Unlike other vitamins, Vitamin E gets the most benefit when used topically on the skin rather than orally digested.

When added to skincare products, it works by increasing the skin’s collagen production, which results in keeping skin soft and supple, accelerating the skin’s healing process, scar prevention, reduction of fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles.

When combined with Vitamin C in skin products, it becomes one of the most potent anti-oxidant skincare choices on the market.

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant commonly known for its brightening capabilities. When used for long, it evens out hyperpigmentation and dark spots, thereby revealing much brighter and fresher skin.

It is undoubtedly one of the most studied antioxidants because of its substantial benefits on the skin, making it a favorite amongst dermatologists. Such benefits are fading dark spots, prevention of skin aging, improving and sustaining the skin’s youthful appearance, and increasing collagen production.

Similar to green tea extract, Vitamin C also works in keeping the skin hydrated and fresh. It is definitely a recommended antioxidant that needs to be added to your daily skincare regime.

Caution must be taken; however, when storing Vitamin C, exposing it to sunlight will make it lose its potency. Therefore, skincare products that contain Vitamin C should be stored in a place suitable for this anti-oxidant.

Ferulic Acid

This is a plant-based organic compound primarily associated with fighting off free radicals and skin aging, hence why it is used in almost all anti-aging skincare products. It can be used both orally and as part of anti-aging skincare serums.

Ferulic acid can be found in the cell walls of certain foods such as rice, oats, citrus, apple seeds, and eggplant.

In skincare products, Ferulic acid works well by boosting the effectiveness of other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E. A study conducted in 2005 revealed that Ferulic Acid helps to stabilize a Solution of Vitamins C and E antioxidants and doubles its photoprotection of the skin.

While ferulic acid is safe to use for any skin type, those with sensitive skin are advised to test out a small part of the product on their skin before committing fully to this substance. This is due to the possibility of developing an allergic reaction such as redness, itchiness, and hives.