Antioxidants are beloved by skincare experts due to their ability to protect the skin from free radicals, which can weaken the skin barrier. But what does this actually mean for the longevity of your skin? And what do antioxidants do for skin health beyond what you see on the surface?
How Do Antioxidants Work?
Antioxidants work by stabilizing free radicals – unstable molecules that are missing an electron. Caused by external damage, such as UV rays and pollution, free radicals react with other molecules to steal an electron and gain stability, making the donor molecule unstable as a result. In the absence of antioxidants, free radicals trigger a chain reaction of instability that damages your healthy cells.
Antioxidants are molecules with an extra electron, so they work by giving up their electrons to neutralize free radicals, protecting skin cells from damage. Without a daily skin care routine containing an adequate amount of antioxidants, free radicals can cause sagging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and more. Here is a look at the best antioxidants for skin longevity and how you can find the most effective one for your skin type.
Can Antioxidants Clear Skin?
You may have heard that antioxidants are great for skin complexion, but what is their role as it pertains to the relationship between free radicals and skin health? Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, protecting cells against their damaging effects and contributing to disease prevention. [1] Without antioxidants, free radical damage causes oxidative stress, which breaks down collagen and obstructs the skin's natural repair process.
When used in topical formulas, all antioxidants can fight free radicals and improve the texture and tone of healthy skin. In fact, multiple antioxidants can be paired together in a single product for your face and body to boost the efficacy of other ingredients. There are, however, specific antioxidants for the skin that can target your unique needs.
What Are The Best Antioxidants Known to Improve Skin Health and Why?
#1 Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C can fight against oxidative stress and works with other antioxidants to maximize efficiency. For instance, it works best with vitamin E and ferulic acid, as well as SPF to help protect you against both UV rays and free radicals. Skincare experts love this powerful antioxidant for its ability to brighten and minimize uneven skin tone caused by UV damage. Vitamin C has also been shown to support collagen production, making skin appear firmer and smoother.
Not all products containing vitamin C are created equal, however. When tested in the OneSkin lab OS-01 FACE SPF, which contains vitamin C, was shown to have comparable, if not better, antioxidant capacity when compared to other common vitamin C serums.[2]
#2 Vitamin E
This potent antioxidant contains moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the best antioxidant for dry and sensitive skin types. In addition, a study found that vitamin E supplements can improve injuries or infections that cause pain, discoloration, swelling, or acne.[3] Vitamin E is also commonly used to support and stabilize other antioxidants, but is paired best with vitamin C and resveratrol.
#3 Hyaluronic Acid
This hydrating skincare ingredient is best known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. While not traditionally considered an antioxidant, research suggests that hyaluronic acid can expel free radicals in UV-exposed skin.[4] Hyaluronic Acid also works to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by retaining moisture in the skin. This leads to increased skin cell production, creating softer, smoother, and plumper skin.
#4 Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that holds many powerful benefits. Its mild, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for those who suffer from acne and sensitive skin. This ingredient soothes breakouts, improves the skin barrier, and fights redness. Niacinamide is also used to manage pigmentation, rosacea, and wrinkles as a result of skin aging.
#5 Pracaxi Oil
Pracaxi oil is infused with oleic acid, behenic acid, and natural antioxidants. Its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. Plus it displays strong wound healing benefits by nourishing, repairing, and replenishing the lipid skin barrier. This oil also moisturizes and replaces sebum to hydrate and protect the barrier. When searching for a topical supplement to complete your skin routine, make sure to reach for one that contains pracaxi oil for its ultra-healing properties.
#6 Oleic Pau Mulato Extract
Oleic Pau Mulato Extract - also known as Calycophyllum spruceanum or pau-mulato - is used in herbal medicine as an antioxidant with wound healing and soothing properties. This powerful antioxidant is also commonly used on aging skin to enhance its longevity and stress resistance.
How Do You Choose an Effective Antioxidant For Your Skin Type?
You should first decide what you want to achieve before selecting the best antioxidant for your skin. For instance, vitamin C is best for improving uneven skin tone, vitamin E works well for sensitive skin, and Oleic Pau Mulato extract is ideal for aging skin. You should also consider the other ingredients in the product, as there are many ingredients that can enhance the impact of antioxidants on the skin.
Studies suggest that skincare products containing several antioxidant ingredients offer higher antioxidant activity, making the product more effective overall.[5] Whether you are searching for an ultra-hydrating peptide moisturizer or peptide body lotion, OneSkin's topical supplements offer multiple antioxidants in daily moisturizers to nourish and protect your skin.
Key Takeaways:
- Antioxidants neutralize free radicals which, left untamed, cause oxidative stress to the skin, leading to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, loss of elastin, and more.
- Your skin needs different antioxidants to target individual skin concerns and improve skin health.
- Products containing several antioxidant ingredients improve the overall effectiveness of the antioxidant activity.
- OneSkin’s topical supplements contain a range of proven antioxidants.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73741-6#Sec9
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3669638/
- http://www.eurekaselect.com/article/66854
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin or hair cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
