I'm sure that when you read the labels of your skincare products, you often find "antioxidant ingredients" listed.
But what are antioxidants? And why are they included in cosmetics?
In this article I talk to you about antioxidants for the skin, what they are, what they are for and how they affect the well-being of our skin barrier.
What are antioxidants?
In our bodies, chemical oxidation reactions occur continuously, which occur thanks to oxygen molecules. These reactions give rise to "waste" known as oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules, which can attack DNA and the cells of our tissues, including those of the skin.
Our body produces substances, known as endogenous antioxidants, which function as "traps" for free radicals - a real antioxidant defense system!
When the production of free radicals is excessive, or the reserve of antioxidants is insufficient, a condition of oxidative stress can arise.
Every day our skin undergoes significant stress, such as temperature changes, smog, smoke, UV rays that cause significant oxidative reactions that compromise the well-being of our skin barrier. The antioxidants contained in cosmetics "capture" free radicals and help the skin restore its natural well-being.
What are the benefits of antioxidants for skin?
Antioxidants for skin fight premature skin aging and prevent sun damage.
Exposure to the sun and pollutants leaves the effects of oxidative stress on the skin, which damages collagen and hinders the skin's repair processes. The result? Premature wrinkles, fine lines, loss of tone, acne, blemishes and irritation.
Including cosmetics with antioxidants in your skincare routine helps prevent collagen damage and improve skin tone.
When you apply a product with antioxidants, you also help your skin repair itself from sun damage, protecting it from photoaging and the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Antioxidants also help the skin repair itself and can inhibit the action of certain enzymes, such as tyrosinase, which stimulates the production of melanin, causing hyperpigmentation.
Which antioxidants to choose for your skin?
If you want to include antioxidants in your skincare, I recommend using them in serum form. Serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients in pure form and textures that are easily absorbed by the skin, to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Serums with antioxidants help you fight and prevent premature skin aging due to free radicals (blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles), prevent redness and irritation and protect the skin from external aggressions.
There are many antioxidants that you can use for your skincare, here are some of the most famous:
Vitamin C: It is certainly the most well-known and effective. In addition to preventing damage from free radicals, it helps stimulate collagen production and helps fight dark spots.
Vitamin E: Helps skin repair itself and is great for dry skin, mature skin, and sun-damaged skin.
Niacinamide : Reduces skin inflammation and improves skin tone. Perfect for dark spots, red spots, acne and rosacea.
Ferulic Acid: Super-powerful antioxidant, especially great for protecting and repairing skin from sun damage.
Retinol: Improves cell turnover and smoothes the skin. Excellent for wrinkles, loss of tone and spots
Coenzyme Q10 : improves skin elasticity and texture. Great for mature and sagging skin.
Then there are many botanical extracts that have an antioxidant action, such as those obtained from green tea , coffee , berries , grapes , tomatoes. They reduce the effects of oxidative stress, fight inflammation and improve skin tone.
How do I choose the right product for me?
Each cosmetic has its functions and there is no product that is suitable for all needs.
Start by asking yourself what you want from your product? Do you want an anti-blemish action? Do you want to prevent wrinkles? Do you need to combat redness and irritation?
Based on your needs you can choose the antioxidant that is most suitable for you and you can use it in its pure form, choosing a cosmetic booster or you can choose a product that contains other ingredients that act on the blemish.
Here is a selection of products with antioxidants, which are perfect for combating some of the most common skin problems.
Antioxidants for Wrinkles
