We've heard the word a million times in the past, particularly when it comes to our skincare and overall health, but what do antioxidants really have to do with a youthful, fresh complexion? These magical ingredients, as it turns out, not only help combat the damaging free-radicals that are responsible for premature aging of the skin, but also encourage the effectiveness of sunscreens, allowing us to protect our skin better from sun damage. The team at Fiore Skin Clinic has all the information you need on the super powers of antioxidants in your skin care, and which ones you should be searching for.
VITAMIN E
This fat-soluble vitamin is one of the most well-known antioxidants, and can also go by tocopherol or tocotrienols on the ingredient list of skincare products. Vitamin E works to prevent oxidative damage and protects the skin against the early stages of ultraviolet light damage.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C, which is doubly as beneficial when paired with Vitamin E in skincare products, can also be listed as ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. This water-soluble antioxidant is ideal for treating brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and overall dullness of the skin. Vitamin C applied topically increases the production of collagen. Vitamin C products enhance the skin's natural repair process, helping the skin to better protect itself against sun damage .Consider skincare products like Image, sold at our clinic, which combines Vitamin C and E for a powerful, synergetic duo.
RESVERATROL
Resveratrol is another powerful antioxidant ingredient derived from red grapes, red wine, nuts, and fruits that helps to protect against damage from the sun, and increases collagen production while decreasing cell damage. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, resveratrol is effectively used to treat acne, rosacea and eczema.
RETINOL
Retinol is a powerful active ingredient that can be found in one of our bestselling medical-grade skincare lines, ZO Skin Health by Dr. Obagi, and it's one of the top five antioxidants to search for in your skincare. Retinol is the term for the entire Vitamin A molecule; as a cell-communicating ingredient, retinol helps the skin produce healthier skin cells and supporting substances like ceramides. Retinol bumps up the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycan, the skin's natural protection substance, resulting in younger-looking skin with a superior barrier function. Retinol is used to treat a variety of conditions, from rosacea to inflammatory disorders to plain old signs of premature aging.
GREEN TEA
A key compound found in green tea called epigallocatechin-3 gallate is what makes green tea an ideal antioxidant for your skin, whether consumed orally or applied topically. Green tea aids in preventing collagen breakdown and also reduces UV damage to the skin. Whether looking for these ingredients in your skincare or adding antioxidant ingredients to your daily meal plan, be sure to enhance the protection of your skin from the sun - the number one perpetrator of wrinkles and skin damage - by using daily sunscreen, shading your face with the brim of your hat, or using a physical sunblock foundation like those from Jane Iredale.
If you would like some help figuring out the right anti oxidant skin regime for your complexion, schedule a complementary skin consultation today!