If you're looking to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, antioxidants are one type of ingredient you need in your skincare routine. We break down what antioxidants are, how they work, and what ingredients they're found in, so you can be on your way to your healthiest skin yet.
What are antioxidants and how do they work?
Antioxidants are powerful substances that help to protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals (free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells, collagen and elastin fibres which can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin - basically, they drive premature ageing). Antioxidants work to neutralise these free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to our skin cells.
Antioxidants can also reduce inflammation by soothing and calming irritated skin, which further improves the overall health and appearance of our skin too.
What are some common antioxidant ingredients?
Antioxidants can be found in a variety of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, but here are a few of the most common antioxidant skincare ingredients to look out for:
- Ferulic acid: Ferulic acid acts as a booster to other antioxidants like vitamin C and E (essentially making them work more effectively), while also protecting the skin from environmental aggressors too (pollution, UV rays)
- Green tea extract: Green tea not only works to soothe and calm irritated skin (e.g. rosacea, eczema), it helps to protect skin from environmental aggressors too (pollution, UV rays)
- Resveratrol: Resveratrol helps to protect skin from environmental aggressors (pollution, UV rays)
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C works to brighten and even out skin tone (assisting with the likes of pigmentation), while also boosting collagen production and protecting the skin from UV damage too
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E works to protect the skin from environmental aggressors (pollution, UV rays)
How can I get antioxidants into my skincare routine?
Get the following ingredients into your skincare routine with RAWKANVAS products:
Green tea extract
- Purified: Purifying Cleanser
- Polished: Refining Exfoliant
Vitamin C
- Polished: Refining Exfoliant
- The Foundation: Flawless Retinol & Vitamin C Lotion
Vitamin E
- Purified: Purifying Cleanser
- Canvas: Resurfacing AHA & BHA Treatment
- Luminosity: Brightening Probiotic Mask
- The Foundation: Flawless Retinol & Vitamin C Lotion
- The Limelight: Brightening Probiotic Lotion
- Sol: Hydrating Gel Moisturiser
- Luna Vitality: Restoring Moisture Cream
- Yester Youth: Regenerating Facial Oil
You can easily fill any antioxidant gaps in your routine, here.
In addition to your skincare routine, it's also worthwhile using sunscreen daily to prevent free radical damage, and enjoying a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to boost antioxidant intake and improve the health of your skin. There's no better feeling than healthy, glowing skin!
