Antioxidants: why and how to incorporate them into your routine?
Our daily lives constantly expose us to environmental factors that are harmful to the skin: sun, pollution, and stress generate free radicals, which are responsible for premature skin aging. Fortunately, antioxidants are here to counteract this phenomenon of oxidative stress and protect the skin. But how exactly do these valuable allies work? Why are they essential for your skin, and how can you effectively incorporate them into your skincare routine? We'll tell you everything!
What is an antioxidant?
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body. These free radicals are unstable molecules generated by factors such as UV exposure, pollution, an unbalanced diet, or stress. They attack skin cells, disrupt their function, and accelerate skin aging.
Antioxidants therefore play a crucial role in protecting the skin against damage caused by these free radicals. They help maintain healthy skin and preserve its appearance for longer.
The benefits of antioxidants for your skin
1. Protection against premature aging
Antioxidants act as a barrier against free radicals, which are responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin—two essential elements for skin firmness and elasticity. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep skin looking younger and more toned.
2. Reduction of skin inflammation
Free radicals can lead to an inflammatory reaction, often appearing as redness, irritation, or sensitivity. Antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and E, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, soothing sensitive skin and reducing inflammation linked to conditions like acne or rosacea.
3. Improvement of skin radiance
By neutralizing free radicals and aiding in cell regeneration, antioxidants help the skin maintain its natural glow. They promote a brighter, more even, and fresh complexion, and reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure.
4. Protection against environmental damage
One of the main roles of antioxidants is to protect the skin from external aggressors. Whether against UV rays, pollution, or even cigarette smoke, antioxidants form a protective barrier that limits the damage caused by these environmental factors.
Key antioxidants to include in your routine
1. Vitamin C: the star antioxidant
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant widely used in skincare. It plays an essential role in collagen synthesis and helps reduce the signs of aging. Additionally, it helps to even out skin tone by reducing dark spots and protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Incorporated into serums or creams, vitamin C is particularly effective in the morning, right after cleansing, for a boost of protection against daily aggressors.
2. Vitamin E: defense against free radicals
Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant highly effective at protecting the skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution. It deeply nourishes the skin and improves its hydration, while preventing the breakdown of skin lipids.
Use it in combination with vitamin C to enhance the antioxidant protection effect of your routine.
3. Resveratrol: a powerful anti-aging antioxidant
Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, is a highly effective antioxidant against the signs of aging. It fights cell oxidation and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. By adding resveratrol-based products to your routine, you help protect your skin from the signs of premature aging.
4. Green tea: anti-inflammatory protection
Green tea, rich in catechins, is another highly valued antioxidant in skincare. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and protects the skin against environmental aggressors. It is particularly suitable for sensitive or inflammation-prone skin.
How to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine?
1. Choose the right products
To maximize the benefits of antioxidants, it's important to choose skincare products that contain high concentrations of antioxidants. Look for specific serums, creams, or masks that target your needs, ensuring they contain ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, or green tea.
2. Apply antioxidants morning and night
Antioxidants should be used regularly for continuous protection. Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning to protect your skin from daily aggressors (pollution, UV rays, etc.). In the evening, you can choose more restorative treatments, such as creams or serums containing antioxidants like vitamin E or resveratrol to help your skin regenerate overnight.
3. Don't neglect sun protection
While antioxidants are excellent allies for skin protection, sun protection remains essential. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, often containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, form an additional barrier to protect the skin from UV rays.
4. Combine antioxidants with a balanced diet
In addition to skincare products, antioxidants found in food also help fight free radicals. Consume antioxidant-rich foods such as red berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), green vegetables, nuts, and dark chocolate to boost the effectiveness of your skincare.
Mistakes to avoid with antioxidants
1. Not combining the right antioxidants
Some molecules can neutralize each other if combined incorrectly. For example, vitamin C should not be used at the same time as products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), as this can reduce the effectiveness of both active ingredients. Opt for separate application, using vitamin C in the morning and exfoliating acids in the evening.
2. Not being patient
Antioxidants do not provide immediate results. It's important to integrate them regularly into your routine for several weeks before noticing their effects on your skin.
Conclusion
Antioxidants are essential allies in any skincare routine. They protect against premature aging, inflammation, and environmental damage, helping to keep skin radiant and healthy. To fully benefit from them, it's crucial to choose suitable products and apply them regularly, while also supporting their action with an antioxidant-rich diet.