It is difficult to navigate the beauty aisle with confidence. With as many different skincare products on the market, you are probably wondering, “What ingredients should I be looking for?”
In this article, we are going to address one of several ingredients to look for in your skincare regimen-antioxidants. Topical antioxidants are essential for your skin.
The formation of free radicals is widely accepted by scientists as a mechanism leading to aging skin. Free radicals, which are formed from the sun, pollution, stress and smoking, damage the DNA of the cell, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
In addition, the production of free radicals increases with age, while our defense mechanisms that counter them decrease. This imbalance leads to the progressive damage of cellular structures, and thus, results in accelerated aging and possible skin cancer. Topical antioxidants are available in multivariate combinations through over-the-counter skincare products that are aimed at preventing the clinical signs of photoaging. Not all antioxidants are created equal.
Our dermatologists have put their heads together to develop this list on how to choose the best antioxidant for you! Continue reading below, and let us know if you have any questions.
WHICH ANTIOXIDANT IS BEST FOR YOU?
Caffeine
Caffeine is used in skincare products due to its high biological activity and the ability to penetrate the skin barrier. Topical formulations of caffeine are used as an active compound in anti-cellulite products because they stimulate the breakdown of fat. In addition, caffeine is a potent antioxidant for the skin when used topically. It helps protect cells against UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin.
Fun fact: caffeine contained in cosmetics increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and also stimulates the growth of hair.
You will be able to find Caffeine in:
Green Tea
Green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-aging benefits of green tea are attributed to polyphenols, a type of flavonoids found in plants. Early studies have shown that green tea can reduce sun damage, protect skin from cancer and decrease collagen breakdown. The polyphenols are thought to influence biochemical pathways that lead to cell regeneration. In addition, green tea polyphenols help reduce skin irritation and calm skin redness.
You can find Green Tea in:
- P3 Antioxidant Cream
- Retinol Eye Cream
- Green Tea Fortified Cleanser
- Ultra Gentle Cleanser
- Gly/Sal Cleanser
- Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy
- Fortified Facial Cream
- Nourish and Repair Cream
- Tinted Physical Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Retinol Smoothing Serum 2x, 3x, 5x, 5x
- Retinol Smoothing Pads 5x, 5x
- Glycolic Facial Cream 10, 15, 20
- Ultra-Lite Facial Cream
- Green Tea Mattifying Mineral Powder SPF 30
- Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF40
- Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 50+
Resveratrol
The skin and seeds of red grapes are the most abundant sources of Resveratrol, which results in significant concentrations of this compound in red wine. Resveratrol not only works against free radicals, but it also increases the skin’s overall antioxidant effectiveness — to improve the look of fine lines, skin firmness, elasticity, hyperpigmentation, texture and overall radiance. Resveratrol, a water-soluble antioxidant, works synergistically with fat-soluble antioxidants like vitamin E to prevent further skin aging. This is especially important for mature skin since your skin’s ability to repair itself decreases with age.
You can find Resveratrol in:
- P3 Antioxidant Cream
- Nourish and Repair Cream
- Tinted Physical Sunscreen SPF 30 +
- Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for many cellular and skin functions. Those include collagen production, maintaining skin strength and integrity, wound healing and free radical and UV protection.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that boosts collagen production and reverses cell damage, which helps keep the skin firmer and younger. In addition, it helps fade and prevent brown spots and pigmentation.
Not all Vitamin C serums are created equal. A good formulation can be costly to ensure proper stability and bioavailability, two of the essential factors when creating a Vitamin C product.
You can find Vitamin C in:
- Brightening C Serum
- Ultra Gentle Cleanser
- Gly/Sal Cleanser
- Radical Results
- Line-Subtractor
Vitamin E
A powerful source of antioxidants, Vitamin E helps fight wrinkles and fine lines caused by pollution, UV rays and free radicals by neutralizing the oxidant effect of free radicals. Your body cannot naturally produce it, so it’s vital to get it from a skin or hair care product. Vitamin E reduces inflammation both within your body and on your skin, helping you to maintain healthy and youthful skin. Vitamin E is used in combination with Vitamin C to help stabilize it.
You can find Vitamin E in:
- Radical Results
- Brightening C Serum
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is the only soluble lipid antioxidant that human cells can make. Unfortunately, its production starts declining after age 30. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency can result in an inability to properly produce collagen and elastin, two of the main building blocks of healthy skin. Q10 reduces free radicals and repairs DNA damage in the skin. Damage in DNA is associated with skin cancer and unhealthy appearing skin.
You can find Coenzyme Q10 in:
- Green Tea Fortified Cleanser
- Ultra Gentle Cleanser
- Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy
- Fortified Facial Cream
- Tinted Physical Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Retinol Smoothing Serum 2x, 3x, 5x, 5x
- Retinol Smoothing Pads 5x, 5x
- Ultra-Lite Facial Cream
- Glycolic Facial Cream 10, 15, 20
- Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF40
- Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 50+
FINDING THE BEST SKINCARE REGIMEN FOR YOUR SKIN
At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, our dermatologists and staff are committed to finding the skincare regimen that fits your skincare goals. At your appointment, a member of our staff will sit down with you to discuss your:
- Skin goals
- Skin type
- Current skincare routine
To schedule your skin care appointment, please give us a call (304) 598-3888 or browse our new online shop!
