Everything you need to know about antioxidants in skincare.
ꕀ
When it comes to the skincare world, we hear a lot of jargon and a revolving door of trending ingredients. Antioxidants are one of those. I’m sure you’ve heard the word. And at least loosely know they’re good for you. You may even look for them in your skincare products. But what are they, actually? And how do they help?
Here’s the gist: Antioxidants are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals (think Vitamins A, C, E; Green Tea; Zinc) that protect your skin against free radicals. Free radicals are essentially an unavoidable part of human life. They are tiny molecules in the environment that cling onto collagen, and ultimately break down your skin’s elasticity. The thing we’re all striving for to steer clear of wrinkles. Air pollution, UV rays, tobacco, chemicals. These are so-called breeding grounds for free radicals and environmental toxins. And they can suck the life out of your skin’s health.
That’s where antioxidants come into play in the skincare game. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to protect your skin cells from oxidative damage. What’s more? They also improve skin hydration, stimulate collagen and elastin production, reduce inflammation, and even smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Here are some of our top choice antioxidants to look for to give your skin the love it deserves.
Antioxidant Allstar No. 1:
Zinc
Zinc is a natural mineral. It’s one that’s also found in our bodies. Besides its health benefits, it’s also a pro when it comes to skin health. But you may not know about zinc’s antioxidant role in preventing against free radical-induced oxidative damage. That makes it an essential in skincare and suncare products across the board.
Besides being adored as an antioxidant, it’s also celebrated as a superstar anti-inflammatory, healing agent, and sebum regulator and defense against acne. We’ve been fans of zinc since day one, and it’s a mineral you’ll find in each and every one of our natural sunscreens.
Antioxidant Allstar No. 2:
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (a.k.a. tocopherol) is an allstar antioxidant for everything. And everyone. It does a little bit of it all, and in just the right doses. After over 50 years as a dermatology staple, it’s a true skin warrior and free-radical scavenger. Because of its important role in protecting skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation, it’s an antioxidant we have in all of our mineral sunscreen products.
And that’s not all. It’s also a pro at keeping skin hydrated and supple. That makes it top choice to prevent premature aging, as well as scar formation.
Antioxidant Allstar No. 3:
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are plant compounds that fight off troublesome free radicals, and in turn stop them from harming your body’s healthy cells. Researchers found they not only protect skin against ultraviolet radiation, but they also enhance your skin’s cell growth. To put it simply, they’re key in preventing premature aging while keeping skin healthy and glowing.
Two of our favorites? Grape Seeds and Pomegranate. Grape Seed Extract (featured in our Under the Sun Vitamin Serum) is an elasticity super agent. It boosts skin cell regeneration and collagen synthesis. Pomegranate-an allstar in our Day Undone Night Serum-protects against sun damage, removes toxins from skin, combats acne by removing excess oils, lightens dark spots and soothes inflammation.
shop under the sun vitamin serum shop day undone night serum
Antioxidant Allstar No. 4:
Lycopene
Lycopene is a plant compound found in many foods. It’s what naturally gives foods like tomatoes and watermelons their red/pink color. But when it comes to antioxidants in skincare, Lycopene does so much more than just that. According to Food & Science Nutrition, “Lycopene is a dietary antioxidant known to prevent skin photodamage.” In short, it provides your skin photoprotection and helps tighten to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging.
shop under the sun vitamin serum
Antioxidant-Rich Skincare + Suncare
We believe using everyday products should be stress-free and fun. It should leave you restored, emboldened and, to put it simply: feeling good. We also believe using everyday products shouldn’t negatively impact our health or our environment. There’s nothing complicated about it. We make products that are good for people, and the planet.
shop antioxidant-rich skincare
