Antioxidants are widely used in over-the-counter skincare products. They are used to treat a variety of cosmetic skin disorders and are said to have anti-aging and skin-protective properties.
Learn what science has to say about antioxidants and their effects on the skin, as well as how to get the most bang for your buck when selecting a skincare product with antioxidants.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a popular term in the health and beauty industry. Still, many individuals are confused about what antioxidants are and why they’re so good for your health.
Antioxidants are natural substances that protect your cells from damage. Although your body produces some antioxidants, most antioxidants must be obtained from foods or supplements.
However, there is some evidence that antioxidant pills aren’t as helpful as obtaining antioxidants from food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are particularly high in antioxidants. They are essential for your whole health and not just your skin.
Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Free radicals, according to the free radical theory of aging, cause inflammation and prematurely age your body, including your skin. These unstable compounds steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to healthy cells.
Free radicals and antioxidants are polar opposites. By giving an electron, antioxidants remove free radicals and prevent them from causing damage to cells.
Free radicals have a poor reputation, yet they are not without merit. The immune system, for example, uses free radicals to help it fight bacteria. As a result, they are critical to how your body works.
The problem arises when there are more free radicals than antioxidants. Excess free radicals are free to harm cells when there are no adequate antioxidants to keep them in check.
Skin Care Benefits of Antioxidants
Fresh, healthy foods are high in antioxidants. There’s a lot of evidence that eating a diet high in antioxidants will help you live a longer, healthier life.
Antioxidants are used in several skin care products to offer antioxidant benefits to the skin directly, such as the following:
- UV protection: Sun exposure is a major cause of skin aging. When used together with sunscreen, antioxidants may help provide protection from UV damage.
- Reduce inflammation: By their very nature, free radicals cause inflammation. Antioxidants can help to minimize inflammation and soothe the skin.
- Prevents premature aging: Extrinsic aging caused by external factors like chronic sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and more can be slowed by topical antioxidants.
Most Effective Skincare Antioxidants
Because antioxidants aren’t simply one ingredient, you won’t find the phrase antioxidant in the ingredients list of your skincare product. Antioxidants are a large category of substances that all combat free radical damage in the same way.
Some of the most well-studied antioxidants used in skincare are listed below:
- Vitamin C: This is one of the most frequently used and researched antioxidants in skin care. It’s also called L-ascorbic acid or ester-C. Vitamin C is the finest antioxidant for lightening dark spots and helps increase collagen formation.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is both an antioxidant and a moisturizing agent.
- Ferulic acid: Ferulic acid used topically may help prevent sunburn damage. It works best when combined with topical vitamins C and E.
- Retinol: Retinol is a kind of vitamin A that is widely considered to be the most effective OTC component for decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol also promotes cell turnover and skin smoothness.
- Coenzyme Q10: One of the antioxidants produced by your body is coenzyme Q10. It is found naturally in the skin but its production decreases with aging. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to help with skin elasticity and texture.
- Botanical extracts (phytoextracts): Botanical extracts are often used in skincare products due to their antioxidant effects. Green tea, white tea, coffee, calendula, and rosemary are among the most common, but there are many others. Botanical extracts are quite popular in cosmetics and are frequently used in formulations.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide, often known as vitamin B3, enhances skin tone and texture while also fading dark marks.
- Resveratrol: Resveratrol is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound present in grapes, berries, red wine, and tea. It may also help with collagen and elastin production.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a polyphenol found in the spice turmeric, is a newbie in OTC skin care treatments. It’s thought to have anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening qualities without leaving a stain on the skin.
Choosing a Skin Care Product
Antioxidant skincare products are widely available these days. Antioxidant compounds are so common and popular that chances are you have at least one in your current skincare routine. So you’ve got options — perhaps too many to consider. Here are some pointers to guide you in selecting a product.
What is your ultimate goal? It is preferable to begin with the end in mind. Do you want to remove dark spots, reduce fine lines, or protect yourself from the sun? This will help you determine the product form to buy.
Look for a product that includes a variety of antioxidants. According to studies, skincare products that contain many antioxidant components have stronger antioxidant activity and are thus more effective.
Experiment with various products until you find one that suits you. The feel of the product on your skin is more essential than the brand name. You’ll be more likely to utilize it on a regular basis if you enjoy how it feels. Antioxidant products are only effective when used over time, so you’ll need to use them regularly basis to see results.
Take a look at the product ingredients. Antioxidants aren’t the only chemicals that are beneficial to the skin. There are numerous more anti-aging skincare elements to search for in your over-the-counter skincare products that can enhance the appearance and feel of your skin. Hydrating dry skin with hyaluronic acid brings amazing results. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid all help to lighten the skin and prevent aging. Examine the product to assess if it meets your skin needs.
Seek professional advice. If you’re still overwhelmed, talk to your dermatologist about some product recommendations.
Sea Active Skincare Products with Antioxidants
Keep in mind what an antioxidant skin care product can and cannot accomplish for your skin. Antioxidants can help skin seem brighter and feel smoother, but they won’t make drastic changes overnight. Long-term use is going to yield the best outcomes.
Sea Active Skincare’s Skin Guardian spf 25 Daily Moisturizer is an excellent choice if you want to reduce sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. When taken consistently, this product can provide superior outcomes.
Remember to incorporate sunscreen in your skincare routine. It’s never too late to begin sun protection for your skin.
Visit our website to see more of our skincare products with antioxidants.