Antioxidants, like sunscreen, are popular in skin care because of their ability to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
To get a better understanding of this article, it is important to know how antioxidants work in the first place.
How Do Antioxidants Work?
Many people question why antioxidants are so vital for your skin. Antioxidants are crucial since they are the most effective skincare ingredients available.
Their sole purpose is to protect your skin from free radicals. They do this by giving up part of their electrons, so functioning as a “off switch” for free radicals.
By eliminating healthy electrons from the cells, free radicals damage skin cells. Antioxidants prevent this by shielding cells from free radicals, thus they must be included in skincare. The first thing to know when selecting an antioxidant is that there are several to choose from. While they all work in the same manner, combining antioxidants with additional compounds has a huge advantage for the skin.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right antioxidant for your skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a more common choice, protects against oxidative stress and works well with other free-radical fighters. It is also a well-known treatment for skin complexion problems such as uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine wrinkles, acne scars, and dullness.
Vitamin C is an excellent complement to your skincare routine; combining a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Vitamin C serum ensures that your skin is completely protected.
Vitamin E
If you have dry skin, you should use a Vitamin E serum since it is moisturizing and anti-inflammatory.
As an extra bonus, Vitamin E has exceptional wound-healing properties, making it a perfect choice for persons who suffer from sensitivity and irritation. It’s commonly referred to as tocopherol on ingredient labels and works well with other antioxidants such as vitamin C and resveratrol.
Niacinamide
Prone to blemishes and blackheads, Niacinamide is the best antioxidant for you. One of the two major forms of B3, Niacinamide, is used to treat acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reinforce the skin barrier improving your skin health long-term.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in plants and are an ideal choice for sun-damaged skin. They are effective in repairing sun-damaged skin and have anti-inflammatory and skin-calming characteristics, making them a good choice for sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acids are well-known for their ability to store 1000 times their weight in water and bring moisture into the skin. They are also an excellent antioxidant that eliminates free radicals, maintaining the skin in top condition and helping it to better protect itself against pollution.
Hyaluronic Acid also aids in the prevention of skin damage and the stimulation of wound healing.
NB: Remember to consult your dermatologist before adding a new ingredient into your skincare routine.
