Antioxidants are chemical compounds that help to counteract the negative effects of the environment and even stressors in our bodies. Without them, our cells would be exposed to stress factors that can cause disease or accelerate ageing.

The term 'antioxidant' usually refers to a group of vitamins, carotenoids (a protective substance of the cell against free radicals and free oxygen) and other nutrients that have this property. Antioxidants prevent oxidation (the formation of free radicals) in the human body and therefore neutralise harmful chemicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Read what free radicals are here. 

These powerful substances have been shown to help protect against disease and speed up skin renewal when used consistently over a long period of time.

 

What are the benefits of antioxidants?

Some of the benefits of antioxidants: 

- Protection against cellular ageing: as we age, our bodies experience more oxidative stress (due to prolonged exposure to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)), which can damage cellular proteins and accelerate ageing. Antioxidants can help to stop the effects of ROS. 

- Protecting against disease: ROS are also a known cause of disease and can be harmful to the body if left unchecked. ROS can damage cellular DNA and cause mutations that can lead to serious diseases. 

- Strengthens immunity: our bodies are constantly exposed to harmful substances that can cause disease or aggravate existing diseases. Antioxidants have been shown to strengthen the immune system and help fight disease. Scientifically, the immune system is a system of organs and tissues in humans and other animals that protects the body against harmful micro-organisms, foreign proteins and other genetically "foreign" substances. You can find immune-boosting supplements here in our online shop.

- Reduces inflammation: ROS can also cause inflammation, which increases the risk of disease. Antioxidants help reduce this by removing harmful ROS from the body. 

- Promotes healthy digestion: antioxidants can also be beneficial for those with digestive problems. 

- Detoxifies the body: some antioxidants also have detoxifying properties and can therefore help to naturally cleanse the body. 

- Helps with weight loss: many of the benefits listed above can help to strengthen overall health, which can also make it easier to lose weight.

 

What antioxidants should you look for?

There are a wide variety of antioxidants that can help protect the body against disease and premature ageing. However, some are more effective than others and there are many to choose from. It can be difficult to know which antioxidants to include in your skincare routine, especially if you are new to skincare. 

 

- Vitamin C is one of the most popular and effective antioxidants. It can stimulate collagen production and promote healthy skin texture. Find out what collagen is here. Vitamin C can also help prevent and treat pigmented spots, reduce existing scars and reduce the risk of melanoma. Vitamin C can be applied topically or taken with food. There are many different types of vitamin C and the effectiveness of each varies. For example, L-ascorbic acid is the most effective form of vitamin C and is often used in skin care products. 

 

- Vitamin E is another very popular antioxidant. It has anti-ageing properties and, when used topically, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are two types of vitamin E: alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol. Both have antioxidant properties, but only alpha-tocopherol has been shown to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein that makes up the largest proportion of human protein and helps to maintain the structure of the body.

 

- Nicotinamide is an effective brightening ingredient. Nicotinamide is the most effective form of vitamin B3 (niacin). It is often used to treat acne and hyperpigmentation (such as dark spots and freckles).

 

- Vitamin A helps protect against sun damage. Vitamin A is another effective antioxidant. It can be used topically to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne and sun damage such as sun spots. 

 

We've listed some vitamins that can help protect the body against disease and premature ageing, and you can read more about what vitamins are here.

 

How can I use antioxidants to maximise their benefits?

When using antioxidants, it is important to remember that they are most effective when combined with other skincare ingredients. This can go a long way in maximising the benefits of antioxidants. 


Use antioxidants with retinoids

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They are often referred to as the 'gold standard of anti-ageing'. Retinoids were first used in cosmetics in the 1970s. Initially, their use in aesthetic medicine focused on acne problems, but retinoids have been observed to have a regenerative, anti-ageing effect. 

When used in combination with antioxidants, they can be even more effective. Retinoids have photosensitising properties, i.e. they make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Antioxidants can help counteract this side-effect by reducing the amount of ROS produced in the skin. Read more about what retinoids are here.


Use antioxidants with vitamin C

Vitamin C has a short lifespan when applied topically. This is because it oxidises quickly and is often too ineffective to be truly beneficial. 


Use antioxidants with vitamin E

Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means that it can be stored in the fatty layers of the skin, giving it a longer shelf life. This can help to reduce the amount of vitamin C when used in combination with vitamin E. 


Use antioxidants with vitamin A

Vitamin A is water-soluble, which means that it is rapidly broken down by the body. This can make it ineffective when used alone. However, vitamin A may be more effective when used in combination with other water-soluble ingredients such as vitamin C, nicotinamide, bisabolol and ferulic acid.

 

Antioxidants are essential for health and well-being, and skincare products rich in antioxidants can help protect the skin from UV damage, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help even out skin tone.