THESE ARE THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TO PRIORITIZE IN THE MORNING, AND ESPECIALLY DURING SUMMER!
Antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, including UV exposure, stress, pollution... They are active ingredients to prioritize in the morning, and especially during summer! These are essential ingredients for fighting cellular oxidation, which is responsible for premature skin aging. That is why adopting an “antioxidant” routine will help you prevent and reverse damage caused by free radicals, particularly premature aging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
ROLE & BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS
As their name suggests, antioxidants are oxidation blockers: they prevent free radicals from attacking epidermal cells. When free radicals are present in excess, they create disorder within our cells: this is known as oxidative stress, which damages our cells’ DNA. The essential purpose of antioxidants is to protect your cells by acting as a “natural switch” for free radicals. Thanks to their protective ability, antioxidant-based skincare is therefore best applied in the morning to protect the skin throughout the day.
REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Antioxidants are excellent anti-inflammatories and can help reduce redness.
BRIGHTEN THE SKIN
Vitamin C helps even out the complexion, boost radiance, and reduce dark spots.
IMPROVE SKIN TONE AND TEXTURE
By protecting the skin from free radical damage, antioxidants can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
IMPROVE ELASTICITY
Antioxidants stimulate collagen production and therefore improve the skin’s hydration and elasticity.
PROTECT THE SKIN FROM FREE RADICALS
For the best daily protection, pair your antioxidant skincare with sun protection! SPF protects your skin from UV rays, while antioxidants protect it from free radicals.
THE DIFFERENT ANTIOXIDANTS
Although they all technically fulfill the same role of protecting against oxidative stress, blends of antioxidants with other ingredients can be beneficial for the skin. You will often see several antioxidants combined in a single product, because they can enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients. This can be an advantage, as it allows you to benefit from more effective protection against free radicals while targeting several skin concerns at once.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is one of our favorite ingredients: it prevents free radicals from penetrating the skin and also boosts collagen production. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is appreciated for its protective power against oxidative stress and its ability to pair with other ingredients to maximize effectiveness. It is known to correct and even out the complexion, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, lessen acne scars, and bring radiance overall. Vitamin C is beneficial for all skin types, particularly dull skin and skin with hyperpigmentation spots.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is ideal for dry skin because, in addition to its antioxidant power, it offers hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is also known for its healing abilities and its capacity to strengthen the skin barrier, which makes it a very interesting ingredient for people with sensitive skin.
FERULIC ACID
Ferulic acid is a key player in the world of skincare, because it can help reduce signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and fine lines, discoloration, dark spots, etc. “In addition, when paired with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, it has been shown to improve stability and effectiveness. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation by decreasing oxidative damage,” adds Dr. Garshick.
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is often thought of first and foremost as a hydrating agent, yet it is also a highly effective antioxidant that captures free radicals and keeps the skin healthy, allowing it to better defend itself against external aggressors. Hyaluronic acid helps prevent damage caused by free radicals and also stimulates wound healing. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while retaining the skin’s moisture, thereby creating a plumping effect.
POLYPHENOL
Polyphenol is an organic compound found in plants and fruits, and it is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants. There are thousands of polyphenols, such as resveratrol, green tea, and black tea. These powerful antioxidant substances are very useful for repairing sun-damaged skin and reversing signs of skin aging. Antioxidant polyphenols enhance the effects of vitamin C; they preserve the integrity of tissues throughout the body by neutralizing free radicals.
NIACINAMIDE
Naturally present in our body, niacinamide is one of the two main forms of vitamin B3. This molecule helps our body produce energy and repair DNA. Thanks to its powerful antioxidant and protective properties, it is often used to treat acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles.
