Antioxidants: why and how can you incorporate them into your routine?
Everyday life constantly exposes us to environmental factors that are harmful to the skin: the sun, pollution and stress generate free radicals, which are responsible for premature skin aging. Fortunately, antioxidants are there to counter this oxidative stress and protect the skin. But how exactly do these precious allies work? Why are they essential for your skin, and how can you effectively incorporate them into your skincare routine? We tell you all about it!
What are antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by factors such as UV exposure, pollution, unbalanced diet or stress. They attack skin cells, disrupting their functioning and accelerating 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 the skin
1. Protection against premature ageing
Antioxidants act as a barrier against free radicals, which are responsible for the degradation of collagen and elastin, two elements essential to skin firmness and elasticity. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and maintain younger, more toned skin.
2. Reduces skin inflammation
Free radicals can cause an inflammatory reaction, often resulting in redness, irritation or sensitivity. Antioxidants, notably vitamin C and vitamin E, are renowned for their anti-inflammatory effect, soothing sensitive skin and reducing inflammation associated with conditions such as acne or rosacea.
3. Improved skin radiance
By neutralizing free radicals and aiding cell regeneration, antioxidants help skin retain its natural radiance. They promote a more luminous, even and fresh complexion, and reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots caused by sun exposure.
4. Protection against environmental damage
One of the main roles of antioxidants is to protect the skin from external aggression. Whether it's UV rays, pollution or even cigarette smoke, antioxidants form a protective barrier that limits the damage caused by these environmental factors.
The main antioxidants to include in your routine
1. Vitamin C: the star antioxidant
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, widely used in skin care. It plays an essential role in collagen synthesis and helps reduce the signs of aging. It also helps even out skin tone by reducing pigmentation spots, and protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Integrated into serums or creams, vitamin C is particularly effective in the morning, just after cleansing the skin, for a boost of protection against daily aggressors.
2. Vitamin E: defense against free radicals
Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is highly effective in protecting the skin from sun damage and pollution. It deeply nourishes the skin and improves hydration, while preventing the breakdown of skin lipids.
Use it in combination with vitamin C to boost the antioxidant protection of your routine.
3. Resveratrol: a powerful anti-ageing antioxidant
Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, is a highly effective antioxidant against the signs of aging. It combats cell oxidation and stimulates collagen and elastin production. By adding resveratrol-based skincare to your routine, you help protect skin from the signs of premature aging.
4. Green tea: anti-inflammatory protection
Green tea, rich in catechins, is another antioxidant highly prized in skin care. 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 skin or skin prone to inflammation.
How can you 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, making sure they contain ingredients like vitamin Cvitamin E, resveratrol or green tea.
2. Apply antioxidants morning and night
Antioxidants should be used regularly for ongoing protection. Apply a vitamin C-based serum in the morning to protect your skin from daily aggressions (pollution, UV rays, etc.). In the evening, you can choose more restorative skin care products, such as creams or serums containing antioxidants like vitamin E or resveratrol, to help your skin regenerate overnight.
3. Don't neglect sun protection
Although antioxidants are excellent allies in protecting the skin, sun protection remains essential. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, often containing antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, form a complementary barrier to protect the skin from UV rays.
4. Combining antioxidants with a balanced diet
In addition to skincare products, antioxidants in the diet also help fight free radicals. Eat antioxidant-rich foods such as red fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), green vegetables, nuts and dark chocolate to boost the effectiveness of your skincare products.
Mistakes to avoid with antioxidants
1. Not combining the right antioxidants
Certain molecules can neutralize each other if improperly combined. 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. Instead, opt for separate application, with vitamin C in the morning and exfoliating acids in the evening.
2. Not being patient
Antioxidants do not produce immediate results. It's important to make them a regular part of your routine for several weeks before you notice the effects on your skin.
Conclusion
Antioxidants are indispensable allies in any skincare routine. They protect against premature aging, inflammation and environmental damage, and help keep skin radiant and healthy. To take full advantage of their benefits, it's essential to choose the right products and apply them regularly, while supporting their action with an antioxidant-rich diet.