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As you grow older your skin’s needs will begin to change and you will have to integrate products into your routine that fight against signs of aging. From fine lines and wrinkles to sagging skin, your complexion will benefit from products that boost collagen and support elasticity. That’s where antioxidants come in. Intended to protect against environmental damage and natural signs of aging, adding antioxidant serums into your skincare routine can help boost your appearance and slow the development of more wrinkles. We asked a skincare expert which antioxidants are the most effective to add into your skincare routine, here are the top four.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants that not only benefits your immune system, but your skin as well. “Vitamin C protects against UV damage and even helps with the repair process. It is also a very important cofactor in the formation of collagen which helps with reduction of fine lines,” says board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld. “Topical application is far superior to oral supplementation since the body excretes excess Vitamin C intake -- once the tank is full, it doesn’t use the excess.” Apply your Vitamin C serum each morning after washing your face and before the rest of your skincare products for the best results.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, otherwise known as a retinol, is necessary to protect the elasticity of your skin and boost collagen production which is vital for fighting signs of aging. “Retinols are Vitamin A derivatives, which increase the rate of skin cell turnover. This decreases the rate of collagen breakdown and thickens skin. Overall, they help with acne and decrease pigmentation after minor skin injuries, such as acne breakouts,” explains Dr. Iteld.
Retinol may be harsh on the skin and can cause redness and peeling when you first integrate it into your routine, so be careful of sun exposure and be sure to use only every 2-3 days until your skin adjusts.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a soothing antioxidant which can help to fight against damage caused by UV exposure. “Often found as a key ingredient in most moisturizers, Vitamin E helps speed up the skin's repairing process. An excellent antioxidant for dry skin and stretch marks,” says skincare specialist Molly Thompson-Tubridy. “Apply once a day before any moisturizer, after cleansing and toning. It can also be brought down to the neck area!”
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Vitamin B3 is ideal for improving the skin’s texture as well as brightening and shrinking the appearance of pores. “This antioxidant vitamin is not as well known for skincare as vitamins C and E, however it is very effective against dark marks and used in many brightening products, and is a natural alternative to hydroquinone,” explains Dr. Anne Beal, M.D., M.P.H. “There are different forms of vitamin B3, but the one used in skincare products is niacinamide and is found in products designed to calm the skin, reduce inflammation and promote lipid production to help maintain the skin barrier.” If used in conjunction with Vitamin C and E, niacinamide can have a powerful effect on the appearance of your skin, particularly in fighting against aging.
