What are Antioxidants and which ones perform best in your skincare routine?

Many studies have proven just how successful antioxidants are at slowing down the natural aging process of skin and preventing further damage caused by free radicals, harmful sun rays and pollution amongst other things.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are created by our bodies to help neutralise harmful viruses, bacteria, pollution, chemicals, amongst other threats to the body. So while they are very important, too many of these free radicals, which are essentially reactive molecules, leads to oxidative stress. Essentially this means, the body is producing free radicals quicker than it can detoxify the harmful effects.

How can antioxidants help?

The good news is that including quality antioxidants in your skincare regime can greatly help your skin fight against the damage caused by free radicals.

The Main Benefits of Antioxidants:

• help prevent & reduce signs of aging
• reduces skin inflammation
• can help prevent sunburn
• can help fight pigmentation
• may even help prevent skin cancer

What are the best antioxidants to include in your skincare regime?

The list of antioxidants is incredibly long so here are the main ones that we recommend most often for our clients:

• Retinol (Vitamin A): Due to its small molecular structure it can penetrate deep into the skin and boosts collagen production and boost cell repair
• Vitamin C: It ravages free radicals, boosts collagen production and fades dark spots
• Vitamin E: It’s known for its ability to speed up the skins healing process
• Coenzyme: As we age the presence of coQ10 starts to diminish causing visible signs of aging. However, a topical application of this antioxidant fights free radicals and slows the aging process.

The antioxidant rich  products we recommend you add to your skincare routine:

1. Alumier MD Vitamin Rich Smoother In Salon: Alumier MD Vitamin Rich Smoother is a synergistic antioxidant duo of vitamin C and vitamin E. Its silky consistency evens out skin texture, minimises the appearance fine lines and wrinkles, and leaves skin looking and feeling smooth. The perfect base for makeup.
2. ASAP Super C Serum: ASAP Super C Serum is a super concentrated vitamin c serum that boosts collagen and breaks down pigmentation while antioxidants Pycnogenol and Idebenone protect the skin from effects of daylight's harmful rays and environmental pollution that can beak down our precious collagen and elastin
3. Environ Focus Care Radiance+  Intense C Boost Mela Even Cream: This cream is packed with oil-soluble Vitamin C that helps to create a radiant and refreshed look to your skin. It supports your skins natural skin defence helping to protect it from harmful and aging UV rays. Mela Even Cream helps to even out skin tone giving you back a healthier looking luminous skin.
4. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel and FREE Brightening UV Defense SPF30: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a daytime antioxidant serum that protects the skin from environmental damage as well as combating discoloration, fine lines and uneven skin tone.
5. IMAGE Vital C Hydrating Antioxidant A C E Serum: This serum is like a multi-vitamin for your skin. It is a physician-formulated concentrated essence of vitamins A, C, and E, and a powerful blend of antioxidants including green tea and Echinacea extracts to reduce the signs of aging – like fine lines and dryness. It includes bearberry extract to help skin look more radiant