What antioxidants are best for my skin?

You've probably heard the word antioxidant used in beauty products and know they're supposed to be good for your skin. What are antioxidants, and what are their benefits in skincare?

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants protect every cell in your body, including your skin, from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by normal cellular reactions as well as things like UV radiation and pollution. This oxidation causes your skin to break down--think of that cut apple or avocado that turns brown after it's been sitting out for a while. That's where antioxidants come in--they help to neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular breakdown.

What can antioxidants do for your skin?

• Prevent and treat your skin from hyperpigmentation (dark spots) caused by UV exposure

• Brighten and even the skin tone

• Slow down skin aging by preventing the oxidative stress that slows down collagen production

• Protect against sun damage by blocking free radicals from the sun and soothing inflammation from sun exposure

• Strengthen the skin barrier by preventing cellular damage and improving the integrity of its structure

What does each antioxidant do?

• Vitamin C: AKA ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit, strawberries, peppers, kiwi, and kale. This serum can be used morning and/or night.

  • Use to treat: Hyperpigmentation, sun damage, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles

  • Skin type: Oily, combination, normal, acne-prone, aging; some forms may irritate dry or sensitive skin, so always do a patch test, especially when combining with retinoids (Vitamin A)

  • Combines well with: Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid

• Niacinamide: AKA Niacin or Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is found in poultry, tuna, salmon, peanuts, avocado, brown rice, and whole wheat. Niacinamide serums can be used morning and/or night.

  • Use to treat: Hyperpigmentation, excess oil, dullness, damaged skin barrier

  • Skin type: Dry, oily, combination, normal, acne-prone, aging

  • Combines well with: Almost all active ingredients, including other antioxidants and acne fighters

• Vitamin E: AKA Tocopherol, Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin, asparagus, and avocado. Use Vitamin E serums morning and/or evening.

  • Use to treat: Hyperpigmentation, sun damage, dryness

  • Skin type: Dry, normal, sensitive, aging (avoid if oily or acne-prone)

  • Combines well with: Combines well with most other antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C

• Vitamin A: AKA Retinoid, Retinol, Tretinoin, Vitamin A is found in liver, salmon, cheese, sweet potato, carrot, and spinach. Use at night only, and use a sunscreen during the day.

  • Use to treat: Acne, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness

  • Skin type: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone, aging (may irritate dry or sensitive skin)

  • Note: Patch test if combining with Vitamin C and do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding

• Polyphenols: AKA Reservatrol, Flavonoid, Tannins, Polyphenols are found in green tea, grapes, berries, nuts, and dark chocolate. Polyphenol serum can be used morning and/or night.

  • Use to treat: Redness and inflammation, sun damage, uneven skin tone, damaged skin barrier

  • Skin type: Normal, oily, combination, acne-prone (generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive)

  • Combines well with: Most other antioxidants, including Vitamin C and Vitamin E

• Ferulic Acid: Ferulic Acid is found in bran, oats, rice, eggplant, and citrus

  • Use to treat: Photoaging, loss of firmness, fine lines and wrinkles

  • Skin type: All (well tolerated by most skin types), particularly aging and sun-damaged

  • Combines well with: Boosts the benefits and stability of other serums, particularly Vitamin E and Vitamin C

Other things to note:

Antioxidants are fairly prevalent in skin care, from facial cleansers to serums to sunscreens. Potency is key, but antioxidants are also very fragile and highly sensitive to light, changes in temperature, and exposure to air. Finding the right antioxidant addition to your skincare routine is key, so talk to Patrice or Dora about your skin concerns, and they will be happy to make a recommendation. Call Salon Patrice at (815) 223-8643 or stop by today!