Importance of antioxidants in skincare

Dubbed as the fountain of youth by many skincare professionals, antioxidants are the number one ingredient in skincare products and the ones that do their job the best. Not only do they help protect the skin against free radical damage, (the one that causes the skin to age quickly), they lend the skin firmness and suppleness, along with a brighter and fresher complexion.

So what exactly are antioxidants?

They are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that protect the skin by inhibiting oxidative damage caused by free radicals as well as environmental stressors such as the harmful UV rays, toxic fuel emissions and pollution. These free radicals are the main culprits behind the breakdown of collagen, resulting in the onset of early aging, dark spots and saggy skin. 

Antioxidants are present in a number of skincare products as they play a vital role in keeping the skin looking healthy, and are considered a must by dermatologist as part of every person’s skincare routine. In fact, the more antioxidants a product has, the better it will be for the skin as they’ll help protect and repair the skin by neutralizing the free radicals to give you beautiful and radiant skin.

Which antioxidant is the best for the skin?

There’s no definite answer, as all antioxidants painstakingly try to keep your skin in the best of forms. However, some antioxidants repeatedly make it into skincare products, owing to their potent skin beneficial properties. The following is a brief mention of a few of them:

Vitamin C: Found in most citrus fruits, vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant. It is extremely effective against free radical damage and can give your skin an instant brightening and uplift. 

Vitamin E: Commonly known for its hydrating properties, its healing and restorative properties are often overlooked. However, it makes a great antioxidant, giving your skin a healthy dose of freshness by fighting off free radicals. 

Green tea: The extract of green tea contains more than just one antioxidant. It contains flavonoids, catechins, and more, that help to boost your skin’s immunity, fight off inflammation and hydrate the skin. 

What are the skin benefits of antioxidants? 

• Protect against UV ray damage 

One of the biggest factors contributing to early aging is excessive sun exposure. Antioxidants help to give a protective effect against UV damage when used with sunscreen. They play an active role in diffusing the effects of the rays that make through your sunscreen and help to defend the skin from other sources of free radicals including the HEVlight and the light from your phone. If this is left unchecked it can lead to skin problems.

• Help with skin brightening 

Some antioxidants can help brighten up your complexion and even out your skin tone. Vitamin C, as mentioned above, is the perfect antioxidant for perking up dull and tired looking skin. It can also help calm and hydrate the skin, giving it a fresh and radiant look. It also works to boost collagen production, giving your skin a youthful firmness. 

• Keeps acne at bay

Antioxidants like vitamin A help to reduce acne by unclogging pores and inhibiting the production of excessive oil. They also work wonderfully well in helping to fade acne scars and blemishes, giving you skin a flawless finish. The Leovard Multicleanser, loaded with all the goodness of several antioxidants such as papaya extract, ginger and green tea, can greatly help to reduce acne and keep future breakouts at bay. 

• Helps prevent inflammation 

Antioxidants have skin healing and restorative properties, making them great for reducing and helping to subside any inflammation. Inflammation is not only painful, it also impedes the skin’s renewal process. By preventing inflammatory responses from occurring in the first place, antioxidants help the skin regenerate and renew itself and protect tissues from damage caused by inflammation. 

• Lend firmness the skin 

As we age, our skin’s natural ability to produce collagen decreases, and it starts to feel less firm, more saggy and wrinkles start to appear. However, antioxidants can help to slow down the process of deterioration, helping the skin regain firmness. They can also help to reduce and soften the appearance of wrinkles, giving the skin a youthful appearance. They also help combat other signs of aging such as age spots and discolouration. 

• Soothe the skin

Antioxidants can be used to help with irritation and to soothe agitated skin. People with sensitive skin and those who suffer from redness can benefit from antioxidants such as green tea which is known for its calming, soothing and hydrating properties. The Leovard Multicream, contains several soothing and calming antioxidants such as green tea, lavender and chamomile. 

Takeaway 

Antioxidants are really the stars of any skincare product, lending it the ability to heal, hydrate and nourish. A little insight into their capabilities will make you more appreciative of what all they can do for your skin, helping you choose products that will help you with your particular skincare woe.