Antioxidants: Your Daily Defense System

Primary Function: Protect skin from environmental damage and prevent premature aging.

Key Players & Their Roles:

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid & Derivatives):

• Mechanism: Neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure and pollution
• Proven Benefits:
  • Brightens skin tone and reduces dark spots
  • Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin
  • Enhances sunscreen effectiveness when used together
  • Reduces inflammation and redness
• Forms & Stability:
  • L-ascorbic acid (most potent, least stable)
  • Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (stable, gentle)
  • Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (stable, acne-fighting)
  • Ascorbyl glucoside (stable, converts to Vitamin C on skin)
• Effective Concentration: 10-20% for L-ascorbic acid
• Best Paired With: Vitamin E and ferulic acid (boosts effectiveness 8x)

Vitamin E (Tocopherol):

• Benefits: Strengthens skin barrier, deeply moisturizes, enhances antioxidant protection
• Synergy: Works best combined with Vitamin C

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):

• Multi-Tasking Benefits:
  • Reduces inflammation and redness (at 2-5%)
  • Improves skin barrier function (increases ceramide production)
  • Minimizes pore appearance (regulates oil at 2-10%)
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation (inhibits melanin transfer)
  • Anti-aging benefits (improves elasticity)
• Versatility: Works with almost all ingredients, including retinol
• Concentration Sweet Spot: 5% for balanced benefits without irritation

Green Tea Extract (EGCG):

• Benefits: Powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, may protect against UV damage
• Ideal For: Acne-prone and sensitive skin

Resveratrol:

• Source: Grapes, berries
• Benefits: Antioxidant protection, may support collagen production

Practical Application:

• Morning Use: Apply after cleansing, before moisturizer and sunscreen
• Layerability: Most antioxidants layer well together
• Storage: Keep in cool, dark place; opaque packaging preferred
• Signs of Degradation: Color change (yellow/brown), unusual odor