Are Antioxidants Skincare’s Biggest Game Changer?

By Helen Clemson

In my many years as a beauty journalist, one concept in skincare ingredients has always had me a little perplexed: antioxidants. Why do we need them, and are they really that effective?

When I was working as beauty editor of Women’s Health magazine, I received more and more questions on antioxidants from readers, most likely because in recent years there are more and more of them in skincare products. And this is good news for skins.

Scientists have long known that free radicals – those nasty little molecules that damage your skin’s DNA and age it prematurely – are produced by things like UV rays, pollution and cigarette smoke. That’s where anti-oxidants come in. Even though they may sound fairly innocuous (like vitamins C, E and green tea), they can actually help neutralise free radical damage. In other words, counteract it, and in some cases, even slowdown UV radiation penetrating skin.

Now, we don’t want to be the Donald Trump of blog post announcements, so that’s definitely not to say antioxidant skincare is a free pass and you can bin your SPF50 and wear an just an antioxidant-laced cream to the beach (that would be sheer lunacy dear followers). However, you can apply more than just a moisturiser and a high factor sunscreen – and ultimately up your anti aging game too – and be safer in the sun, simply by being antioxidant product wise. To get the most insurance, slather on an antioxidant serum every morning before your day cream and sunscreen; ingredients like vitamin C, green tea, resveratrol and Ferulic acid help to shield the skin from free radicals. Or you can multitask with a sunscreen that has antioxidants built in.

Below are our favourite antioxidant formulas:

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (R2130) is a daytime serum that delivers advanced environmental protection. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by neutralising free radicals induced by UVA, UVB and Infrared Radiation. It provides double protection against the sun when used together with a sunscreen during the day. Its key ingredients include Ferulic Acid – a potent antioxidant – which, when used together with a broad spectrum sunscreen, provides eight times more photoprotection, and up to 96% free radical protection. It also contains L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E). Alcohol-free. Paraben-free. Available to purchase at www.Dermastore.co.za AND WE’RE GIVING A BOTTLE AWAY – SEE END OF BLOG POST.

I’m also investigating Neostrata Skin Active Antioxidant Defense Serum (R846) for the winter months when my skin is really dry. I love that is has grape seed extracts, that not only tackle the free radical issue, but also keep lipids in healthy supply which is essential to lock moisture into skin. Available to purchase at www.dermastore.co.za

New to my hit list is Environ C-Quence Crème (R591) which contains Vitamins A, C & E together with lycopene. I like that it’s mild enough for even sensitive skin types, but still pack a real anti-ageing punch. It also help with uneven tone and loss of radiance – I had a baby recently, I could use some of that! Find your closest Environ stockist HERE

Dermaceutic C25 Cream Antioxidant Concentrate (R750) can be used both morning and evenings. It helps skin look more smooth and radiant, while working to even skin tone. It contains 25% stabilised Vitamin C to protect collagen fibres, while maintaining optimum moisture levels. Vitamin A helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, while Vitamins B5 and E hydrate the skin and reduce water loss. Extra points for it being Paraben and fragrance free. Available to purchase at www.skinmiles.co.za

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Spray (R210 for a 30ml) is a refreshing peptide toner that creates a hydrating, antioxidant shield over the skin. It’s super refreshing and works hard at mopping up nasty free radicals. Purchase HERE