Hot on the heels of The Antioxidant’s release, we asked our Founder, Caroline Hirons, to tell us what makes an antioxidant serum such an essential part of your skincare routine.
Why Antioxidants Matter
What are antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a naturally-occurring compound that protects your skin from free radicals – and no, that’s not the name of a hot new band They’re highly reactive, unstable molecules that cause damage to otherwise healthy skin cells, and can be found in everyday environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution and cigarette smoke. This is when your antioxidant proves its worth. Consider it your skin’s strongest ally; stepping in to neutralise the free radicals, protect skin cells from damage, and promote that coveted healthy glow.
How do they work?
Wondering why free radicals cause so much chaos? It’s because they've lost an electron and will stop at nothing to latch onto your skin’s molecules in an attempt to ‘steal one’ and regain stability. When they do this, by bonding with your skin’s molecules, they cause oxidative stress that breaks down collagen, interferes with the skin’s natural repair processes, and triggers everything from fine lines to breakouts.
Antioxidants work by offering up their own electrons (and they say chivalry is dead) to counteract the oxidation process. By allowing your skin to sidestep the harmful consequences of oxidisation, they keep it in good health and help to brighten your skin tone, boost collagen production, and reduce inflammation. Sounds like a non-negotiable, right?
Beyond vitamin C
Whenever you hear the term 'antioxidant,' your mind likely goes straight to vitamin C. Make no mistake, its excellent reputation is well-deserved; renowned for boosting radiance, enhancing collagen production, and shielding against UV damage.
There are also several vitamin C derivatives out there; compounds that the body can then convert into active vitamin C. In The Antioxidant, we’ve used tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a powerful, highly stable precursor with great affinity for skin that helps protect collagen levels, reinforce the skin barrier, and reduce hyperpigmentation. However, vitamin C isn’t the only player in the game. There are plenty of other antioxidants to look out for next time you’re serum-shopping…
1. Vitamin E: Working best alongside vitamin C, it enhances its effectiveness and provides additional protection against UV rays.
2. Green Tea Extract: Packed with polyphenols, this fights inflammation and soothes the skin.
3. Resveratrol: Found in grapes and red wine, this has anti-ageing properties. It helps to maintain skin elasticity and prevent collagen breakdown.
4. Ferulic Acid: When combined with vitamins C and E, this boosts their stability and efficacy to become a triple threat against free radicals.
Using serums which combine vitamin C with other antioxidants is a smart move for your skin. By blending antioxidant ingredients together, they create a powerful cocktail that works to tackle multiple skin concerns simultaneously.
Preventing vs. treating
Retinoid products are excellent for treating existing skin concerns, and initially, they might not seem much different from antioxidants: reducing the appearance of fine lines, calming breakouts, and refining skin texture are all within their skill set.
But antioxidants play a different role by preventing damage from occurring in the first place. By incorporating one into your routine, you’re proactively investing in your skin’s future by helping it to look its best for longer.
When should I start using an antioxidant?
In your teens - early 20s
Antioxidants aren’t essential during your teenage years. However, once you hit your 20s, consider experimenting with different serums to find an antioxidant which suits your skin. It’ll stand you in good stead for the next stage…
20s – mid 30s
This is the sweet spot for introducing an antioxidant serum into your routine. Using it 2-3 times a week is sufficient,
Late 30s - early 40s
I would say these are the core years when an antioxidant is most important. This is the time to invest in high-quality products to achieve the most effective results.
40s onwards
While antioxidants are crucial, it's wise to address other emerging age-related skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation.
