“Antioxidants” is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot, even though most people don’t fully understand what it means. 
We are told that foods full of antioxidants are really good for us, and we should buy skincare with antioxidants to keep our skin healthy off signs of aging. We need antioxidants, we should always say “yes” to antioxidants. But, why? What are these mythical compounds, and why’s everyone always making such a big deal out of them?
Oxidation occurs throughout nature. With our skin, it is largely caused by the creation of free radicals at the cellular level when skin is exposed to UV light. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and stopping them from attacking collagen strands and other cells of the skin’s architecture.
Antioxidants are compounds such as vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, idebenone, zinc, copper and beta carotene. Beauty companies are harnessing these, as well as the antioxidants from an increasing range of botanicals such as green tea, pomegranates, berries, grape seeds, olives, mushrooms and more.
Why does your skin love antioxidants?
Anti-inflammation:
One of the most desirable benefits of antioxidants in skin-care products is the calming of inflammation. Antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid and others found in pine bark and green tea, produce valuable anti-inflammatory results by increasing circulation and cell metabolism. Reducing inflammation promotes more even skin tone and helps keep acne and wrinkles at bay.
Skin firming:
Another top benefit of antioxidant skin care is skin firming. They may actually reverse the effects of aging by improving skin health and rejuvenating its appearance. Coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10, is a common skin-firming antioxidant and is great for use in eye creams and products that are meant to tone the skin. Try moisturizers and other skin treatments with skin-firming antioxidants such as the Dermaquest Peptide Eye Firming Serum. It is a potent antioxidant that firms, smoothes and reduces wrinkles while, inhibiting the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
Reduced appearance of wrinkles:
Although it is nearly impossible to make wrinkles disappear, skin-care products with antioxidants can help plump out the skin and make it appear more youthful. Most antioxidants are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but vitamins C and E are especially beneficial. Skinceuticals are the global leader in the research and development of antioxidant serums. Their serums contain a powerful blend of vitamins C & E as well as Ferulic Acid and Phloretin. For normal to oily skin we recommend Phloretin CF and for dry skin CE Ferulic is best.
Scar treatment:
Reducing the appearance of scar tissue is another important benefit of antioxidants in skin care. Scar tissue has a different cell structure than that of healthy skin, making it rigid. Many types of antioxidants, including those found in aloe and an onion extract called allium, increase blood flow to scar tissue, minimizing the look of the scar and blending in the development of new skin. Antioxidant-rich scar treatment products are available in a variety of forms, including gels, patches and creams.
Repair of sun damage:
We all know that too much sun is dangerous, but it can also be bad for your skin’s appearance, drying it out and damaging cells. Sun damage can make skin appear tough and wrinkly. Antioxidants that stimulate blood flow in the skin can help encourage the growth of new cells and make sun-damaged skin appear younger. Many antioxidant-rich beauty products are available for treating sun damage, including cleansers and moisturizers that you can use on your entire body. The Dermaquest Skinbrite Peel is the perfect treatment to help reverse sun damage, using powerful antioxidants to brighten the skin.
