Antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by sun exposure, pollution, toxins, smoking, poor lifestyle and the body’s natural cellular processes. Reactive oxygen species, or free radicals, cause damage to cell membranes and DNA, leading to skin damage, premature ageing, skin diseases, reduced collagen production, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and skin cancers.
The skin has a complex system of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants which immediately mop up any free radicals before the can cause irreparable damage to skin cells and DNA and trigger an inflammatory cascade. When this system is overloaded by excessive UV exposure or toxins or when the body is deficient in theses substances, skin damage and signs of ageing can occur.
Natural antioxidants found in the skin include enzymes (such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase), hormones (such as melatonin and oestradiol) and vitamins (such as vitamin E and C). Several of the skin’s natural antioxidants have been extensively studied and reproduced to appear in skincare products and supplements.
Antioxidants have been most widely studied and used for their benefit in preventing and repairing damage caused by UV exposure and premature ageing. Clinical studies have shown that antioxidants have improved photoaging and reduces sun-induced redness. Research has also shown that antioxidants are protective against the effects of visible light and infrared radiation as well as increasing production of key proteins in the skin and reducing their breakdown by skin enzymes.
Vitamin C is arguably the most popular antioxidant found in skincare products. It is a water-soluble vitamin found primarily in citrus fruits as well as other fruits and vegetables. It is a potent scavenger of free radicals, helps skin repair as well as increasing collagen production and lightening dark spots on the skin. It is often paired with Vitamin E as it can repair oxidized antioxidant bound to the cell membrane. It is also known as l-ascorbic acid (least stable), sodium or calcium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (most stable).
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that helps prevent free radical damage to cell membranes and is well known for helping in skin repair. It is found in many skincare creams, lotions and serums, often along with other antioxidants, as Vitamin E is a good stabiliser enhancing their performance. It is also known as tocopherol, which is often listed on products ingredient lists.
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol produced by some plants in response to injury or attack. It is a potent anti-oxidant and a neutraliser of free radicals. The most potent source of resveratrol is the skin of red grapes, but it is also found in other foods, such as berries and peanuts. There has been a lot of research on the health benefits of resveratrol for its anti-ageing and disease fighting properties. It has been used in skincare to improve the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, texture and overall luminosity.
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Containing pure Vitamin C and Vitamin E as well as ferulic acid, this is one of the best antioxidant serums on the market.
AVST 3 contains Vitamin A and 7 different antioxidants to help repair and restore collagen, prevent free radical damage and helps with pigmentation.
This super powerful antioxidant serum contains Vitamin C and a blend of botanical antioxidants for anti-ageing, brightening and protecting the skin.
NeoStrata’s SynerG 8.0 formula contains 8 powerful, multi-action antioxidants to help preserve DNA, cell membranes and the skin matrix.
ANP Skin Antioxidant is formulated with plant nutrients and antioxidant botanicals including bilberry, turmeric, green tea and grape seed extracts.
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Can you overdo it with antioxidants? Antioxidants have huge benefits on the skin and body, but must be taken at recommended doses and concentrations. Dr Martyn King Cosmedic The short answer is probably, yes you can! The skin has a complex system of antioxidants, consisting of enzymes, hormones and vitamins,
Skincare Benefits of Vitamin C Vitamin C is one of the best anti-ageing ingredients that can be delivered through serums and topical skincare products to achieve glowing, smooth and hydrated skin. Found in citrus fruits and vegetables, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is needed for the growth and repair of the
