52 Antioxidant powerhouses And where to find them
And where to find them.
You’ve probably at least heard of antioxidants and the seemingly unlimited benefits they can provide for your skin, but might not truly understand what they are and what they do. In order to explain, we’ll have to bring in another beauty buzzword: free radicals. “These are molecules that cause damage to dierent components in cells, such as the DNA, proteins, outer barrier and the matrix,” says dermatologist Dr Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin.
This is how antioxidants come in; they are basically free radical fighters. The number one way to prevent free radical damage to our skin is to wear broadspectrum sunscreen every day, which protects cells from the negative eects of UVA and UVB rays. But Dr Levin points out that even if we wear enough sunscreen every day (which, let’s face it, no one does), the sun is not the only source of free radicals we need to think about. “Free radicals are created not only by UV radiation but also infrared radiation, pollutants and other stressors such as smoking,” she says.
A lot of products now boast about having antioxidant power, but not all are created equal. “Formulating a product that has antioxidants is actually a challenge,” she says, explaining that the ingredients have to have a high enough anti-oxidative capability, be at a high concentration in the product and stable enough not to degrade, and be biologically active in the skin.
Doctor’s orders VITAMIN A
“Often seen as retinol, vitamin A has multiple functions, such as increasing healthy cellular turnover, repairing cellular structure, decreasing sebum production and eliciting formation of collagen,” says dermo Dr Stacy Chimento.
Dr Chimento’s favourite product right now is [4] Lamelle Correctives RA 3.0 Serum (R780). “It’s a cuttingedge topical that reduces wrinkles and ne lines in four to six weeks,” she says.
VITAMIN C
Often listed as ascorbic acid on product labels, the nutrient usually associated with the immune system is a dermo-favourite. “Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that binds and removes harmful free radicals from the skin,” says Dr Claire Chang. “All of these functions help prevent aging skin, including lightening brown spots, stimulating collagen and protecting against UV damage.” While we can score vitamin C from plenty of foods we eat, it boosts our skin best via topical application. We love [1] RVB Skin Lab Diego Dalla Palma Antioxidant Program (R1 330).
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E has been shown to combat sun damage. “Scientic studies have demonstrated that vitamin E treatment can reduce UV-induced photodamage, decrease the risk of skin cancers and stabilise the skin barrier,” says Dr Chang. In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E may also protect the skin by absorbing UV light, but it’s rapidly depleted by UVB, which is why Dr Chang recommends using [2] Soil Vitamin E Oil (R100) in combination with other antioxidants, like vitamin C.
RESVERATROL
Naturally found in berries, peanuts, red grapes and, yep you guessed it, red wine, resveratrol possesses antiin properties. “Scientic studies suggest that topically applied resveratrol protects against UVB-induced photodamage, pigmentation and collagen degradation,” explains Dr Chang. In other words, it may help brighten skin and prevent ne lines. Go for [3] Skin Logic Boost Apple Extract Cream (R147).
CURCUMIN
This polyphenol antioxidant is found in turmeric root. “Curcumin helps decrease inammation, accelerates wound healing, and prevents oily skin and acne,” says Dr Chimento. While its yellow colour can make it difcult to incorporate in topical products, where there’s a will, there’s a way. [5] Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque (R695) is gentle, doesn’t stain and provides light exfoliating effects that leave skin feeling soft with a nice glow.