Antioxidants in Skin Care: How Antioxidants Work and Which Ones Are the Best?

So we all know that antioxidants are good for our health and skin, but do you really know what antioxidants are and why are they in our skincare?

Antioxidants are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and E that protect our skin against free radicals. These free radicals are molecules in the environment like air pollutants, radiation from our Aussie sun, and chemicals that cling onto our faces.

When introducing antioxidants into your daily skincare regime they can have dramatic effects like reducing sun spots, helping to combat visible signs of aging, and calming skin inflammations. Several antioxidants provide the skin with hydration and increase moisture retention to help revitalize dull-looking skin. What’s not to love?

Continue reading to discover the main benefits of antioxidants, as well as the best antioxidants for your skin.

THE MAIN BENEFITS OF ANTIOXIDANTS FOR YOUR SKIN

While it is impossible to entirely prevent or eliminate signs of age, such as wrinkles, antioxidant-rich skincare products can help reduce these visible signs and leave skin with a more youthful glow. Specifically, antioxidants work to plump the skin, which mitigates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

So, remember to slip, slop, slap! But first add an antioxidant moisturiser underneath your sunscreen to bolster your sun protection :)

Antioxidants can help even skin tone and prevent abnormal skin pigmentation. Some antioxidants also work as a tyrosinase (an enzyme that stimulates melanin production).

5 BEST ANTIOXIDANTS FOR YOUR SKIN

1. Green Tea Extract

Guess what? Green tea doesn’t just taste delicious, it’s also packed with polyphenols (aka plant-based micronutrients that are rich in antioxidants). This makes it one of the best anti-inflammatories on the market, so if you suffer from rosacea, sensitive skin, acne, or psoriasis, we recommend grabbing a green tea-infused moisturizer, cleanser, or serum ASAP.

2. Vitamin C

We’ve all been hearing about the benefits of Vitamin C since we were little kids, but I bet you haven’t considered how the super vitamin can be worked into your skincare regimen.

First off, Vitamin C will be your saviour during the winter months, and even in summer, it’s the best antioxidant for perking up dry, dull skin. In addition to calming and hydrating your skin, as well as boosting collagen production, Vitamin C is most famous for its brightening properties. With continued use of a Vitamin C-rich product, your tired-looking skin will be replaced by a dewy, fresh complexion.

Along with many extracts high in Vitamin C we use Kakadu Plum Extract which has 100 times as much vitamin C than an orange! It's an amazing natural source of Vitamin C and a native to Australia!

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fan favourite for a reason - it does a little bit of everything, without being too harsh on the skin. Great for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin, Vitamin E has been proven to help with inflammation, premature aging, hydration, and scar formation. In essence, if you’re after soft and supple skin (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), consider adding Vitamin E to your daily routine.

4. Vitamin B3

In case you haven’t heard, Vitamin B3 (sometimes referred to as niacinamide) has countless benefits for your skin. Studies have shown that this powerful antioxidant, can help with moisture retention, redness, elasticity, brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

5. Rosehip Extract

Rosehip extract, not to be confused with rose extract, is derived from the seeds of the wild rosehip fruit, grown in Chile. Over the last few years Rosehip has gained prominence in the beauty world for the antioxidants it contains, which include polyphenols, carotenoids, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Together, these antioxidants have powerful results for the skin, they help hydrate, brighten, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants have also been proven to promote healing, reducing the appearance of scars, and have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.

Ready to add antioxidants into your skincare regimen? Give our Botanical Antioxidants Range a try :)