What Are Antioxidants? 7 Science-Backed Skin Benefits
As skincare experts, it’s easy for us to slip into using scientific terminology and assume everyone understands what we are talking about. This can sometimes make understanding what a product does or if its right for you difficult. In our #NOURISHYOURSKIN series, we will demystify those often-used skincare terms.
Let’s make a start with a fundamental essential: Antioxidants.
What are Antioxidants?
Essentially, you can think of antioxidants as your skin’s personal bodyguards fighting to protect us. In slightly more scientific terms, they are substances (chemical compounds) that work both inside and outside the body’s cells to neutralise ‘free radicals’, which are unstable atoms caused by pollution, UV rays, and stress that can damage our skin cells.
By literally ‘breaking the chain’ of potential chemical destruction within the body, antioxidants protect our skin cells and help to maintain a healthy, smooth, and resilient complexion.
They really are our body’s natural superheroes.
7 Powerful Antioxidant Benefits for Skin Health
Antioxidants benefit the entire body, inside and out. However, because our skin is our first line of defence against the outside world, it requires a more targeted approach. By choosing antioxidant-rich foods and science-backed skincare, we can protect our skin cells and maintain a healthy, smooth, and supple complexion.
Beyond general protection, different antioxidants deliver a variety of specific skincare results.
Here is exactly how they work for you:
1. Neutralising Free Radical Damage
The primary role of an antioxidant is protection. By ‘mopping up’ free radicals before they can latch onto healthy cells, antioxidants prevent the oxidative stress that leads to cellular breakdown. Think of this as your daily insurance policy against environmental damage.
2. Boosting Collagen & Smoothing Fine Lines
Some antioxidants, like Vitamin C, are essential for the production of healthy collagen. By promoting cell renewal and protecting existing collagen fibres from degrading, they help to firm the skin and naturally smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Brightening & Evening Skin Tone
Environmental damage often manifests as dullness or ‘age spots.’ Certain antioxidants work to improve micro-circulation and inhibit the overproduction of melanin, resulting in a brighter, more radiant, and more even skin tone.
4. Calming Inflammation & Redness
Many antioxidants, such as Green Tea and Bisabolol, possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. They help to soothe reactive skin, reduce redness, and provide relief for those with sensitive skin types or conditions like rosacea.
5. Repairing the Skin Barrier
Antioxidants like Vitamin E and Niacinamide help to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier. A resilient barrier is crucial for locking in moisture and keeping irritants out, ensuring your skin remains hydrated, plump, and healthy.
6. Preventing Photo-Ageing (Sun Protection)
While they don’t replace SPF, antioxidants provide a secondary line of defence against UV radiation. They help to neutralise the specific free radicals generated by sun exposure, significantly reducing the risk of ‘photo-ageing’ - the sun-induced spots and leathery texture associated with sun damage.
7. Detoxifying & Anti-Pollution
Ingredients like Kale Extract boost the skin’s natural antioxidant activity to help ‘detoxify’ the surface. They physically and chemically shield the skin from microscopic pollution particles (particulate matter) that can otherwise penetrate the pores and cause inflammation.
Choosing the Best Antioxidant-Rich Skincare for Your Routine
To ensure our products deliver clinical results for every skin type or need, we carefully select an appropriate blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
We don't just use one; we use a ‘synergistic blend’ that work together.
Our Antioxidant Multi-Tasking Super Balm is the perfect example of this science in action. It’s packed with a powerful combination of nature’s most potent protectors:
Antioxidant Tea Oil & Macadamia
These oils work to protect the skin’s delicate lipid layer and balance sebum production. This ensures that while you are fighting free radicals, you are also maintaining deep, essential hydration.
Stabilised Vitamin C & Vitamin E
Vitamin C is the industry ‘Gold Standard’ for collagen production. When paired with Vitamin E (Tocopherol), they become twice as effective at preventing photo-damage and brightening the skin than when used alone.
Kale Extract & Marine Algae
Our signature Kale extract helps to detoxify the skin from urban pollution, while patented French Marine Algae provides an immediate toning and firming effect.
