What Do Antioxidants Do For Your Skin and How do they Work?

Antioxidants are absolutely loved by skincare experts. Given their natural ability to protect the skin against free-radical damage, antioxidants are an easy addition to any skincare regimen.

When it comes to deciding what you want to add into your routine, there is a no shortage of antioxidants to choose from.

We researched several of the most common antioxidants and just what you need to know about them.

What exactly are Antioxidants ?

Antioxidants are technically naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that neutralize the unstable molecules in the environment that damage your skin. 

Every day your skin is attacked by environmental aggressors—like air pollution, cigarette smoke, the blue light from your computer screen, and UV light. Tasks and activities we perform each day all contribute to oxidative stress. This damage adds up over time and soon it looks like the life has been sucked out of our skin! 

We know stress can take a mental toll on us, but it can also lead to premature wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dry skin, and a reduction in the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Antioxidants protect the skin from this damage by reducing and counteracting these free radicals.

Below are our list of top antioxidant picks:

1.Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a favorite because of its advanced environmental protection. It combats oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals on the upper layer of the skin to help prevent the impact of ozone damage. It has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brighten skin's complexion.  Because Vitamin C can also mix well with other free-radical fighters you will often see it paired with other antioxidants to further maximize efficacy. 

Beauty Tip: Take a few drops of Vitamin C and add it to your favorite SPF sunscreen to fully protect your skin from UV rays and free radicals! 

2. Vitamin E

If you suffer from dry, dehydrated skin, Vitamin E should be your go to antioxidant. Vitamin E can rescue stressed skin with its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, making it an superb option for those who suffer from sensitive skin and irritation. Not to mention Vitamin E is wonderful at reducing UV damage to skin.

Applying vitamin E as an anti-aging or skin-conditioning agent overnight involves letting the product completely absorb into your skin, and many people swear by the effects of topical vitamin E when it’s applied to the face overnight.

One of the great things about vitamin E is its ability to hydrate and guard against free radicals, all of which make your skin look and feel younger.

3. Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient, that among other things, supports skin health. When used topically, retinol stimulates the production of new skin cells, called cellular turnover. By helping regulate the shedding of dead skin cells, it reduces the occurrence of clogged pores and helps your skin maintain a fresh canvas.

Since it's an antioxidant, it also seems to prevent environmental skin damage by interrupting the process that breaks down collagen, which means its super effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Beauty Tip: It can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use an SPF when wearing a retinol product during the day!

4. Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide)

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient.

Although more research is needed, the topical application of niacinamide looks to have a plethora of benefits. 

It has been shown to reinforce your skin’s lipid barrier, which in turn helps retain moisture and protect against oxidative stress from pollution, toxins, and sunlight. It helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm. It can reduce inflammation which may ease redness from eczema, rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions. Research has also found that niacinamide was also helpful in reducing some signs of sun damage that come with aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.

If you want to improve long-term skin health add this powerhouse antioxidant to your skincare routine.

5. Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a group of about 4,000 antioxidants. They are organic compounds found naturally in wine, plants, chocolates, fruits, and green tea. Polyphenols naturally protect plants from the damaging UV rays of the sun and when applied topically they can do the same for your skin.

Polyphenols are one of nature's most potent antioxidants. They are capable of repairing sun-damaged skin, reversing the signs of age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Their ability to protect skin from environmental aggressors like pollution and radiation make them a staple in anti-aging products. 

Beauty Tip: If you eat polyphenol-rich foods, you can protect your internal cells from free radical damage as well. Help thwart illnesses like cancer and heart disease by adding polyphenol-rich foods like dark chocolate, green tea and an occasional glass of red wine to your diet. Beauty starts from within!

6. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in skin known for its amazing ability to attract and hold onto 1000x its weight in moisture. 

It works overtime by replenishing skin to enhance a healthy, supple look and feel. As people age, the moisture in their skin also decreases. Hyaluronic acid can enhance the moisture content of skin beyond comparison. It also revitalizes skin’s outer surface layers, so they look and feel softer, smoother and instantly hydrated, creating a plumping effect. This improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Recent studies have shown that hyaluronic acid is also an effective antioxidant. Because it increases the resilience in your skin, hyaluronic acid helps prevent free radical damage by fortifying your skin’s natural barrier. When your skin’s lipid barrier is enhanced, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants. When it’s not fighting these toxins, the skin remains less wrinkled, brighter, and free to glow!