ACTIVITIES TO PRIORITIZE IN THE MORNING AND ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER!
Antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, including UV exposure, stress, and pollution. They are an essential ingredient to prioritize in the morning, especially during the summer! They combat cellular oxidation, which is responsible for premature skin aging. Therefore, adopting an "antioxidant" routine will help prevent and reverse damage caused by free radicals, including premature aging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
ROLE & BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS
As their name suggests, antioxidants are oxidation blockers; they prevent free radicals from attacking skin cells. When there are too many free radicals, they cause disruption 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 capacity, antioxidant-based skincare products are best applied in the morning to protect the skin throughout the day.
REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Antioxidants are excellent anti-inflammatories and can help reduce redness.
SKIN LIGHTENING
Vitamin C helps to even out skin tone, add radiance and reduce blemishes.
IMPROVE SKIN COMPLEXION AND TEXTURE
By protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals, antioxidants can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
IMPROVE ELASTICITY
Antioxidants stimulate collagen production and therefore improve skin hydration and elasticity.
PROTECT THE SKIN FROM FREE RADICALS
For the best daily protection, combine your antioxidant skincare with sunscreen! SPF will protect your skin from UV rays and antioxidants from free radicals.
THE DIFFERENT ANTIOXIDANTS
Although they all technically perform the same function of protecting against oxidative stress, combining antioxidants with other ingredients can be beneficial for the skin. You'll often see several antioxidants combined in a single product, as these can enhance the effectiveness of the other ingredients. This can be advantageous because you can benefit from more effective protection against free radicals and target multiple 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 valued for its protective power against oxidative stress and its ability to combine with other ingredients to maximize its effectiveness. It is known to correct and even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish acne scars, and generally brighten the complexion. Vitamin C is beneficial for all skin types, especially dull skin with hyperpigmentation spots.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is ideal for dry skin because, in addition to its antioxidant properties, it offers moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is also known for its healing and skin barrier-strengthening abilities, making it a very interesting ingredient for people with sensitive skin.
FERULIC ACID
Ferulic acid is a major player in the world of skincare, as it can help reduce the signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and fine lines, discoloration, dark spots, and more. "Furthermore, when combined with other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, it has been shown to enhance stability and efficacy. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation by minimizing oxidative damage," adds Mr. Garshick.
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is often thought of primarily as a hydrating agent, but it is also a highly effective antioxidant that captures free radicals and keeps 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 skin moisture, thus creating a plumping effect.
POLYPHENOL
Polyphenols are organic compounds found in plants and fruits, and are among nature's most powerful antioxidants. Thousands of polyphenols exist, such as resveratrol, green tea, and black tea. These potent antioxidants are very useful for repairing sun-damaged skin and reversing the signs of skin aging. Antioxidant polyphenols enhance the effects of vitamin C and protect all tissues in the body by neutralizing free radicals.
NIACINAMIDE
Naturally present in our bodies, niacinamide is one of the two main forms of vitamin B3. This molecule helps our bodies produce energy and repair DNA. Thanks to its powerful antioxidant and protective properties, it is often used to treat acne, rosacea, pigmentation problems, and wrinkles.
