Skin antioxidants, are they really needed?
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Antioxidants are quite often forgotten in the world of skin care. When you already have hyaluronic acid, Vitamin A, Niacinamide, AHA, BHA…….what else could we possibly need!
Well antioxidants are hidden in many of our products including Vitamin A and niacinamide (Vitamin B3)!So why do we need antioxidants in our skin care?
The short answer is for protection and prevention.Antioxidants work by neutralising free radical damage which is being carried out on our skin thanks to the sun and environment we live in (especially those city skins). We are constantly exposed to pollution and harmful reactive oxygen species.
Oxidative stress is one of the top causes of premature ageing, right next to sun damage. Our skin has some amazing functions such as immunity and energy production, but unfortunately most of these processes also involve releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a by-product. When there is excessive ROS it leads to increased vascularity, breakdown in collagen and elastin, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, inflammation and even DNA damage.
How do antioxidants work?
We mentioned earlier they ‘neutralise free radical damage’. This means that the antioxidant itself moves around and looks for electrons which are unbalanced and causing damage to the neighbouring cells. Here is where it donates one of its own electrons to stabilise the molecule and stop any destruction in its path.Think about if you have ever cut up an apple and left it out or in the kids lunch box only to see it brown and shrivelled when you find it a few hours later. This is oxidative stress on the flesh of the apple. If you were to squeeze a lemon or orange on to half of this cut apple and came back later, you would see that the apple will almost be perfect! Now imagine this as your skin.
Who benefits the most from antioxidants in their skin care?
Pretty much anyone who wants to protect their skin but those with added sun damage, ageing concerns, melasma, pigment concerns or conditions and those who have experienced non melanoma skin cancers.Some fantastic antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lycopene, resveratrol and COenzye 10. With daily use the signs of ageing and skin damage can be dramatically slowed. It is best to apply skin care containing antioxidants in the morning so that it can get to work as damage hits the skin, but ideally morning and night application is best when possible. Don't forget to eat antioxidants too for overall health. Some foods rich in antioxidants includes blueberries, pomegranate, mango, tomato, pumpkin, seafood, dark chocolate and red wine.
Skin care containing antioxidants
Aspect Dr Resveratrol Moisturising Cream
Best Moisturising Cream
Elle on Feb 17, 2020
Could not recommend this brand/ product enough- since using this my skin is now soft and never dry!!
Dermaceutic TriVita C
Skin feels smoother!!
Jaimi on Aug 08, 2018
Love using this, will continue purchasing! Skin feels smooth and radiant! Really happy with the results.
Cosmedix Affirm
Aspect Dr Eyelift
Amazing Product
Tad on Jul 28, 2020
I have used this product for quite a while now. It is amazing and have not found anything comparable on the market. Everything the product claims to do, it does! I use it every day!
Aspect Dr Redless
Hydrating and Calming
Lea on Jul 30, 2020
Absolutely love this product. I experience redness on my cheeks nothing else helps to reduce it like Aspect RedLess. This is a product I will not be without now I have found it! It is lovely and hydrating as well which is great especially in Winter. If you have inflamed or stressed skin, I can’t recommend this enough.
Need help deciding the best skin care for you?
Need help selecting the best skin care products for your skin type? Book online or call 1300 863 824 to schedule an online consultation with one of our Skin Therapists to receive advice tailored to your skin concerns.
Written by Tayla Brown, Skin Therapist
As a Skin Therapist at Victorian Cosmetic Institute and holds a Bachelor of Dermal Science. Tayla is continually educated in skin treatments, and even spends her free time listening to skin-related podcasts.
