Antioxidants in Skincare Products

Let's face it, you're a busy man with too much on your plate already. You know you should have a skincare routine, but it's hard to find one that's right for you and every bottle and article seems to suggest something different. You want to take care of yourself and to like the way you look in the mirror, but what's the real deal behind all these different ingredients? Are antioxidants really all they're cracked up to be and will they make a difference to you and your skin? The answer is yes!

What is an Antioxidant?

So, what, exactly, IS an antioxidant? Antioxidants are sometimes called "free-radical scavengers" because they prevent or slow the damage to cells caused by free radicals and unstable molecules that the body produces in response to the environment and other pressures such as stress. They can either be produced naturally in plants or vegetables as well as within your own body or artificially.

When your body has an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants you can find yourself with oxidative stress, which has been linked to

  • Diabetes
  • Atherosclerosis - The hardening of the blood vessels
  • Inflammatory Conditions
  • High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
  • Certain kinds of Cancer

Why Skincare?

By now, these antioxidants are probably sounding pretty good to you. But you may have noticed, nothing on that list mentions skincare or skin health. So, why do you need antioxidants in your skincare routine?

Well, those same free radicals that are damaging cells inside your body, are also doing it externally with your skin cells. When free radicals steal electrons from your skin cells and give you that delicate imbalance that leads to oxidative stress, that leads to premature aging and can trigger inflammatory conditions such as:

  • Eczema
  • Acne
  • Skin Cancer

Of course, antioxidants also help fight one of the biggest dangers to your skin that science knows of: the sun. When your skin is damaged by free radicals, it becomes weakened and the sun's harsh rays provide a greater risk. We all know you should wear sunscreen whenever you are outside in the sun, but adding an antioxidant serum to the mix will provide enhanced protection from burns and damage.

And that, my friends, is why you need antioxidants in your skincare routine. Antioxidants give back the electrons to your skin cells which free radicals have been stealing, the balance is restored, and while you can't stop aging completely, you can slow the progression.

Which Ones are Right for Me?

Now that you understand the importance of antioxidants in skincare routines, how do you go about deciding which products are right for you and when you can trust a package to deliver on its claims? Well, there are a few big names in the antioxidant game you want to keep an eye out for when making your selection.

  • Vitamin C – This is every dermatologist's favorite ingredient. On packaging you may see it listed as ascorbic acid. Not only will it fight free radicals in your skin, but it also assists in boosting collagen production and fading dark spots.
  • Vitamin A – Nothing fights aging quite like retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinol accelerates cell renewal while repairing and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, improving overall skin tone across your whole face.
  • Vitamin E – Sometimes known as tocopherol, Vitamin E combats sun damage, reducing UV induced photodamage and decreasing the risk of skin cancers by stabilizing the skin barrier. When combined with Vitamin C, this duo proves to be particularly effective at combating UV damage to the face.
  • Resveratrol – Found naturally in berries, peanuts, and red grapes, resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help brighten your skin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Green Tea Polyphenols – If you've got sensitive skin, then this is the product for you. The polyphenols found in green tea extract have fantastic anti-carcinogenic properties that help reduce redness and inflammation.
  • Curcumin – This antioxidant is perfect for people who suffer from acne. Curcumin decreases inflammation while accelerating wound healing. It also prevents oily skin and acne due to it being highly anti-microbial.
  • Glutathione – While great for protecting vital organs, this antioxidant is also known as a skin whitener when applied to the face, helping to detoxify the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The result? Smoother and more supple skin!

Take the Plunge

We know you're a busy man, but surely you can find a few minutes in your morning and evening routine to protect one of the most important parts of your body. When your skin is healthy, you're healthy, and when you look great, you feel great. Now that you understand antioxidants and how important they are, do what's right for you.