A key element of radiant, healthy skin is antioxidants. Then there are free radicals, the villains of skincare, which can seriously damage your skin. Same way, antioxidants are the superheroes. They both prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals, which includes inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. So, if you don’t have any antioxidant skincare products in your beauty routine, your skin is at the mercy of free radicals.   

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or delay some types of cell damage by counteracting with oxidative stress and  free radicals from environmental stressors, including UV rays and pollution. Antioxidants counteract with these free radicals by giving them the electron they lack without becoming unstable themselves.  

Free radicals are chemical substances that occur within your cell and cause DNA damage. This causes skin aging symptoms and may possibly result in skin cancer.

Although antioxidants  are often found in serums, moisturizers, cleansers, lotions, oils, it is  recommended that you incorporate an antioxidant into their skincare routine, especially in the morning to provide protection throughout the day in conjunction with sunscreen.

Benefits of Antioxidants in Skincare Routine

Antioxidants play a beneficial role in preventing skin conditions,  a 2021 review  of 20 studies shows that vitamin E levels were lower in people with conditions, such as vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Other than its preventive benefits, antioxidants also:

• Brighten the skin: Vitamin C contributes to the glowing appearance we all desire by balancing our skin tone.
• Improve skin tone and texture: Antioxidants help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by protecting against free radical damage.
• Improve elasticity: Antioxidants support the creation of collagen that aid in the hydration and laxity of your skin.
• Address skin-aging symptoms: Antioxidants can help prevent dark patches and other hyperpigmentation symptoms, which are caused by free radical damage.

 The Best Antioxidants to Add to Your Skincare Routine

Vitamin C

This popular antioxidant works well with sunscreen and is a perfect addition to a morning skincare routine to shield the skin from damage caused by free radicals.Vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen, which lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to brighten and even out skin tone.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps to soften and smooth the skin by acting as an emollient and antioxidant. Vitamin E often works together with other antioxidants to provide a synergistic effect. Vitamin E, however, might irritate some people or cause more outbreaks.

Ferulic Acid 

Ferulic acid is a major player in the skincare industry because it can help minimize fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, and other indications of aging skin; it also lessen inflammation by lowering oxidative damage.

Resveratrol

Red grapes and berries are the source of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that helps to increase the formation of collagen and shield the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It can also lessen inflammation and redness and has calming effects.

Bakuchiol 

Similar to retinol, bakuchiol is a strong antioxidant that helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase firmness, and improve the skin’s general texture and tone.

Green Tea

Green tea contains EGCG, which helps to protect against free radical damage that can occur from oxidative stress, resulting from environmental factors, including pollution.

Antioxidants With Other Actives

Pairing antioxidants together with other ingredients can be beneficial, but combining antioxidants with certain ingredients can lead to irritation.

Ingredients You Can Use With Antioxidants 

Ferulic acid and vitamin E complement nicely. When used with a zinc-based sunscreen, they work best in the morning to protect and restore the skin throughout the day. 

Since vitamin A irritate the skin and resveratrol has a camping effect, they complement each other effectively. Sunlight inactivates vitamin A, so it is best utilized at night.

As a second line of defense after sunscreen, antioxidants typically function well with sunscreen to give everyday protection by preventing any damage from free radicals that may result from UV exposure. They also complement moisturizing substances effectively.

When used with antioxidants, humectants like hyaluronic acid can help reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. Azelaic acid, another skin-brightening agent, can also help reduce discolouration.

Items Not to Combine with Antioxidants

However, depending on the formulation or antioxidants used, some products  might not mix well. Since some antioxidants, like vitamin C, can become unstable in some formulations and may become less effective or cause greater irritation when combined with other substances. Here’s a list of compounds in a beauty product that are best avoided or used cautiously with antioxidants:  

1. Benzoyl Peroxide: Can oxidize and render antioxidants like Vitamin C less effective.  

2. Retinol/Retinoids: Combining these with Vitamin C can lead to irritation or sensitivity due to their potent nature.  

3. AHAs and BHAs (Exfoliating Acids): These can alter the pH of antioxidants, reducing their stability and effectiveness.  

4. Niacinamide: May counteract Vitamin C when combined, especially in formulations with differing pH levels.  

5. Copper Peptides: These can destabilize antioxidants like Vitamin C, diminishing their efficacy.  

6. Clay Masks: These can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants, reducing their impact.  

7. Strong Fragrances or Alcohol-Based Products: These may cause additional irritation when used alongside potent antioxidants.  

To maximize effectiveness and reduce irritation, alternate these products or use them at different times of the day. Always patch-test when introducing new combinations.