Antioxidants = Anti-Aging Skin

When we talk about anti-ageing ingredients, the study is quite clear that antioxidants reign supreme. Not only do they combat the free-radical damage that is responsible for the visible (and hidden) signs of ageing, they also promote the efficiency of sunscreens in the prevention of sun damage.

Basically in the daytime, the combination of both antioxidants and the sun protection fortifies the defense against several indications of ageing including dullness, wrinkles as well as discolouration. Additionally at night, dosing your skin with the range of anti-oxidants will boost your cellular repair and healing.

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Which Anti-Oxidant Is the Best?

Several effective antioxidants that appear in skincare lines are available nowadays. However, they need not be exotic or have a very good marketing story to function brilliantly. The essential thing is to treat your skin with a variety of antioxidants. In other words, you can take a mixture approach and give your skin its personal happy hour with
several stable, powerful and well-researched antioxidants!

Furthermore, the skin gets the most benefit when several antioxidants are applied together in the same way eating a variety of vegetables and fruit are healthier compared to eating only apples or broccoli. Thus, the search for the best antioxidant or the best ingredients for skin care are unrealistic.

Studies have demonstrated that several dozens of effective antioxidants are available in the market. Not only that, it reveals a proven short directory of antioxidants that are very outstanding in addressing anti-ageing concerns.

Here are five (5) among the most well-researched and effective antioxidants, based on the research performed by Paula’s Choice Research Team including how to include them in your skincare plan.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E (often listed as tocotrienols or tocopherol), is among the most popular antioxidants available. It is a fat-soluble vitamin available both in natural and synthetic forms.

Studies reveal that both forms of Vitamin E offer notable antioxidant benefits to the skin, but that the natural forms are more effective with a higher retention rate (i.e. they are absorbed better by skin) compared to their synthetic counterparts.

What it does

Vitamin E functions in several distinct ways to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage as well as the early stages of ultraviolet light damage. In addition, it functions in powerful synergy with vitamin C; that is, a serum or treatment that contains both vitamins C and E can be as twice beneficial. So, make an effort to look out for Vitamin E in serums and moisturiser.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C (listed as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and ascorbic acid among others) is a powerful antioxidant that functions very well in the treatment of dullness, brown spots and wrinkles. This well-researched water-soluble vitamin is considered an anti-ageing superstar.

Be reminded that vitamin C, just like any other antioxidant, must be packaged to protect it from excess exposure to air and light. Though L-ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid and are the forms of vitamin C that are most prone to breaking down with repetitive exposure to air and light, even the stabilise forms of vitamin C do not remain as potent if they are not packaged to minimise or eliminate their exposure to light and air. Avoid any vitamin C product packaged in a jar, except if the items inside the jar are individually sealed, single-use capsules.

What it does

Vitamin C has been shown to boost collagen generation (including dermal collagen when applied topically, which is important in the battle against wrinkles). Another study shows that vitamin C reduces skin discolourations, promotes the skin repair process, limits inflammation, strengthens the skin’s barrier response and helps the skin to better endure exposure to sunlight, whether protected by sunscreen or otherwise. Amounts of vitamin C from 0.5% to 20% demonstrate impressive effectiveness.

Vitamin C can be obtained in all sorts of products from eye creams to lip balms, however you will get the most from the antioxidant in targeted treatment products and skin-brightening serums.

RESVERATROL

Resveratrol is a potent polyphenolic antioxidant found that is in red wine, red grapes, nuts and fruits such as cranberries and blueberries.

What it does

Resveratrol possesses incredible protective benefits for the skin. When applied topically, it gives protection against sun damage, boosts collagen production and also reduces cell damage. It is stable, effective antioxidants worth looking for in a skincare product. It also has vital anti-inflammatory properties—and inflammation is a serious ‘behind-the-scenes culprit’ of multiple skin issues, from acne to rosacea to eczema. Furthermore, studies have revealed that Resveratrol prevents tumour growth. So, check for Resveratrol in anti-ageing makeup and moisturiser.

RETINOL

Retinol represents the entire vitamin A molecule. It possesses a long-established reputation for being an outstanding component for the skin. It is a cell-communicating ingredient and an anti-oxidant and also, provides multiple benefits when used on a regular basis. Even as it is not the only ingredient to look for in an anti-ageing product, it deserves strong consideration by anyone who wants to keep his/her skin younger and healthier over the years.

An added benefit is that retinol has also been demonstrated to reduce brown spots, breakouts, and red marks from past breakouts. In skincare products, it is found in the form of retinol, retinylaldehyde and retinyl palmitate. It is as retinoic acid (also called tretinoin) in prescription-only skincare products. Other prescription topical retinoids include tazarotene (Tazorac) and adapalene (Differin).

What it does

Retinol helps the skin to create better and healthier skin cells and also helps to increase the production of skin-support substances such as ceramides. It has been revealed to increase the skin’s collagen production and glycosaminoglycan content (an essential skin-protecting substance present in young skin), resulting in firmer skin with an improved texture and enhanced barrier function. Should you want sturdier skin—Use retinol!

Retinol is found in all types of products, from serums to moisturisers to body treatments and many others.

GREEN TEA

Green tea is also a potent antioxidant and can be consumed both orally or applied topically. A significant amount of research has established that tea (white, green or black) has many intriguing health benefits, including anti-ageing benefits. The key compound in green tea that provides antioxidant protection is epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG).

What it does

Current research indicates that EGCG extract, if applied topically, can prevent collagen breakdown and reduce UV damage to the skin, which is a very good reason to use skin care products containing one or more forms of tea!

Green tea is also very good at reducing inflammation. Look out for green tea in products for rosacea and in moisturiser.

Antioxidants Perform Even Better Together

With regards to treating your skin with antioxidants, remember the old saying: “Strength in numbers.” When the high quality antioxidants described above are combined to collaborate or augmented with the daily use of sunscreen and other antioxidants as well as skin-beneficial ingredients, the resulting outcome will be remarkable!

Remember:

A good sales story does not necessarily equate to a superior antioxidant. What really matters is that the products you use are formulated with a variety of tried-and-true ingredients.