ANTIOXIDANTS: INGREDIENT DEEP DIVE

 Hi, babes! 

Emma here, and today we'll be discussing antioxidants! Join me for a moment as we unpack. 

So, what are antioxidants, anyway?, you might be wondering. 

Antioxidants are perhaps the most universally loved group of compounds by skin experts, outside of sunscreen. Antioxidants are a flexible addition to any skincare programme because of their capacity to protect the skin from harm caused by free radicals (those unstable molecules that take electrons from healthy cells to stabilise themselves, weakening your innocent skin cells in the process).

And which one's are right for me?, might be your next question.

There are several antioxidants to select from when it comes to incorporating one into your daily regimen. While they all have the same purpose of preserving your skin from oxidative stress, combining antioxidants with additional compounds can be beneficial to your skin. It's all about figuring out which one is right for your skin type and issues.

Okay, so how do they work?, you ask. 

To comprehend why antioxidants are so crucial for your skin, you must first comprehend how they function. Antioxidants are the hardest-working ingredients in the game, making them an essential part of everyone's skincare routine. Antioxidants' main goal is to protect your cells against free radicals by donating some of their electrons, effectively acting as a natural 'off' switch for free radicals.

Why is that important, though?, I might be losing you here, so bear with me. 

Every day, your skin is attacked by environmental aggressors that can induce oxidative stress, including as pollution in the air and blue light from your computer screen. Over time, the harm accumulates. Premature wrinkles, elastin loss, reduced moisture, increased pigmentation, and a decline in the moisture barrier are all symptoms of oxidative stress.

Okay, I get it now. So what can I do about it?, you finally understand. 

Any antioxidant will do the job if you want to protect yourself from free radical damage. Keep in mind, though, multiple antioxidants are frequently combined in a single product to increase the efficacy of other substances. But don't let that frighten you, as this is usually a plus because it provides more effective free radical protection and allows you to address many skin conditions at once. 

Each of the six tried-and-true substances listed below has a variety of skin-friendly effects.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is well-known for its anti-oxidant properties and its ability to collaborate with other free-radical fighters to increase efficacy. Uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine wrinkles, acne scars, and general dullness are all issues that vitamin C is known to help with.

Vitamin C is most effective when combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, an organic substance present in the cell walls of plants such as oats, brown rice, and apples. Vitamin C is also an excellent supplement to your everyday sun protection routine. SPF protects you from UV radiation from the sun, but it doesn't protect you from free radicals. When you combine an antioxidant like vitamin C with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, your skin will be adequately protected.

Vitamin E

If you have dry skin, vitamin E is the antioxidant to use as it has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E is also recognised for its wound-healing properties, making it a good choice for people who are sensitive or irritated. Tocopherol is a name that you'll see on ingredient labels a lot. It works best with antioxidants like vitamin C and resveratrol, according to experts.

Niacinamide

One of two important forms of vitamin B3 is niacinamide. Acne, rosacea, pigmentation problems, and wrinkles are all treated with it. Niacinamide can also help strengthen your skin barrier and enhance long-term skin health, according to specialists. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics make it an excellent substance for those who suffer from pimples and blackheads.

Retinol

Because of the large amount of clinical research around it, many dermatologists consider retinol (also known as vitamin A) to be their preferred antioxidant. Retinol aids cell turnover, promotes collagen, speeds up cell regeneration, and repairs DNA damage.

Because it might be harsh on delicate skin, it's better to start with tiny dosages (0.25 percent) and gradually increase the strength and frequency. When using a retinol product, make sure to apply an SPF of 35 or higher because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you choose a higher-concentration retinol product, use it in the evening instead of the day, and replace it with an antioxidant like vitamin C.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a varied category of chemical substances found in plants and fruits that act as powerful antioxidants. Resveratrol, green tea, and black tea are just a few examples of polyphenols. These antioxidant superfoods work wonders for sun-damaged skin. They also offer anti-inflammatory and skin-calming effects, making them an excellent choice for skin that is prone to irritation.

Hyaluronic Acid

The first thing that comes to mind when people think of hyaluronic acid is its moisturising properties. It can, after all, store 1000 times its own weight in water and suck moisture into the skin. Recent study has revealed, however, that HA is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and maintains skin healthy, helping it to better protect itself against environmental aggressors.

Hyaluronic acid fights free radicals and promotes wound healing. It works to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also maintaining moisture in the skin, giving the appearance of plumpness. When skin is well-protected and moisturised, it produces more skin cells, which results in softer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.

So there you go, babes, the run-down on antioxidants. I hope this helps you on your journey to finding one best suited for your skin!

Love, 

Emma 

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