Using antioxidants in your corneotherapy skincare routine has several benefits for your skin. But first, let's define what an antioxidant even is!

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your skin and accelerate the aging process. As you age and expose your skin to factors like pollution, UV radiation, and internal stressors, the levels of naturally produced antioxidants in your skin decrease. To counteract this, introducing antioxidants topically via your skincare routine is crucial to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Here are a few key benefits of antioxidants:

Protect Against Free Radicals: Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to your skin cells. Free radicals are produced naturally in your body but can also get introduced through external factors like pollution and UV radiation. Antioxidants counteract the damaging effects of free radicals, helping to reduce the signs of aging and promote overall skin health.

Reduce Inflammation: Antioxidants like vitamin E, grapeseed oil, and kiwi seed oil have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe redness and irritation in your skin. This action is especially beneficial if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Brighten Skin Tone: Antioxidants like vitamin C can help to brighten your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or age spots. Vitamin C inhibits melanin production and promotes a more even skin tone.

Boost Collagen Production: Antioxidants like resveratrol and vitamin C can help to stimulate collagen production in your skin. Collagen is a protein that gives your skin its firmness and elasticity and naturally decreases as you age. By promoting collagen production, antioxidants can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydrate Skin: Antioxidants like vitamin E are also emollients, which means they help to hydrate your skin and improve moisture retention. Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing premature aging.

Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine can help protect, nourish, and rejuvenate your skin. Whether you're looking to reduce the signs of aging, brighten your skin tone, or maintain healthy skin, antioxidants can be a valuable addition to your skincare arsenal.

Types of Antioxidants

There are many different antioxidants, each with unique benefits for your skin. Some common antioxidants found in skincare products include:

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is one of the most popular and effective antioxidants for your skin. It shields your skin from everyday stressors like pollution and helps to brighten and even out your skin tone.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant that helps keep your skin moisturized and reduce inflammation.

Green Tea - Green Tea contains a high concentration of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect your skin against UV radiation and reduce signs of aging.

Grape Seed Extract - Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant derived from the seeds of grapes and contains high levels of proanthocyanidins, a type of flavonoid with strong antioxidant properties. In addition, it also protects skin cells from oxidative stress and is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It helps improve skin barrier function and retention of moisture, leading to smoother, more supple skin, and an extra bonus is its ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

Kiwi Seed Oil - Kiwi Seed Oil is extracted from the tiny, black seeds of the kiwi fruit and has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants. In addition to its antioxidant properties, Kiwi Seed Oil is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier and improve hydration, as well as Vitamin C, which helps to brighten the skin and improve its overall texture.

Boswellia - Boswellic acid, has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, thus reducing skin inflammation. Inflammation is a common cause of skin damage and premature aging. Boswellic acid is proven to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, thus reducing skin inflammation. Additionally, it prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. These are both essential components that keep the skin firm and elastic.

Vitamin A - Vitamin A can promote cell turnover. In the form of retinoids, Vitamin A increases the rate at which cells produce and shed, resulting in smoother, brighter, and more even-looking skin. It's also known for stimulating collagen production in the skin. In addition, it functions as an antioxidant to protect the skin from environmental stressors that can cause damage and premature aging by neutralizing free radicals and protecting the skin from UV damage.

While Vitamin A has many benefits for the skin, using it in moderation is essential, as excess use can lead to skin irritation and sensitivity. It's best to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage over time.

When to Introduce Antioxidants into Your Skincare Routine?

The best time to introduce antioxidants into your skincare routine depends on your age, skin type, skin concerns and season. However, starting a consistent skincare routine as early as your twenties to maintain healthy skin and prevent premature aging is a step toward preventative skin health measures.

If you're in your thirties and looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, incorporating products with antioxidants like vitamin C, Green Tea, or Boswellia can help.

For those in their forties and beyond, it's essential to use products with multiple antioxidants to get maximum protection against skin damage caused by environmental stressors and aging.

Adding an antioxidant-rich serum or moisturizer to your daily routine can work wonders for your skin's overall health and radiance. Using a customizable skincare line, you can have a formula with different antioxidants for the daytime and others (such as Vitamin A) for the nighttime.

In conclusion, antioxidants are an essential component of a healthy skincare routine. They work to prevent and repair damage to your skin caused by environmental stressors and can help to keep your skin looking youthful and bright. By incorporating products with different types of antioxidants into your skincare routine, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin for years to come.

Written by: René Serbon