Skin care is not only about keeping skin hydrated or protecting it from the sun; it is also crucial to combat the effects of premature aging and environmental damage. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, which are compounds generated by factors such as pollution, UV rays and stress. Free radicals damage skin cells, accelerating aging and causing problems such as blemishes and loss of elasticity. Integrating antioxidants into your facial routine is one of the best ways to maintain healthy, radiant and protected skin over the long term. They are found in foods such as fruits (blueberries, oranges), vegetables (spinach, carrots) and beverages such as green tea. They are also present in topical products, such as serums and creams enriched with vitamin C, E, niacinamide or coenzyme Q10.
Benefits of antioxidants on the skin
By integrating antioxidants into the facial routine, they protect against environmental damage, improve radiance, even tone and stimulate collagen production. They also reduce inflammation and aid in cellular repair.
What are antioxidants and where do they come from?
Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit oxidation, a chemical process in which free radicals damage healthy cells. This oxidative damage can lead to collagen loss, inflammation, hyperpigmentation and wrinkle formation. Antioxidants work by stabilizing these free radicals, minimizing their negative impact on the skin. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants is key to nourishing the skin from the inside out. Include fresh, colorful, vitamin-rich foods. In addition, supplements such as vitamin C or hydrolyzed collagen can be an effective complement, always under medical supervision. They can also be applied topically:
- Antioxidant serums: their high concentration and light texture allow better penetration into the skin. They are preferably applied in the morning, after cleansing the skin and before sunscreen.
- Creams and lotions: offer a lighter dose of antioxidants, ideal for maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier.
- Specific masks and treatments: can include ingredients such as green tea or antioxidant-rich fruit extracts for weekly intensive care sessions.
What do antioxidants contribute to the facial routine?
The benefits of antioxidants go beyond prevention. By using them regularly, significant improvements can be seen in various aspects of the skin:
- Protection against premature aging: they neutralize free radicals that damage collagen and elastin, responsible for firmness and elasticity.
- Reduction of spots and uneven skin tone: they regulate melanin production, helping to even out skin tone.
- Stimulation of collagen: they promote cell regeneration and collagen production, improving the texture and overall appearance of the skin.
- Inflammation soothing: reduce redness and sensitivity, especially in reactive skin or skin conditions such as rosacea.
- Complementary protection against UV rays: although they are not a substitute for sunscreen, antioxidants reinforce the defense against damage caused by solar radiation.
Antioxidant facial routine
Including antioxidants in the facial routine requires following a proper order to maximize their effectiveness:
- Cleansing: use a mild cleanser to remove impurities and prepare the skin.
- Toner: balances the pH of the skin. Toner is optional.
- Antioxidant serums: apply after cleansing, preferably in the morning. The most recommended are those containing vitamin C, vitamin E or ferulic acid.
- Moisturizer: seals in moisture to keep skin supple.
- Sunscreen: essential after antioxidants, to enhance protection against free radicals.
How to enhance the effect of antioxidants
Antioxidants work best when combined with a good sunscreen, as the sunscreen prevents further UV damage while the antioxidants repair existing damage. Hydrated skin also responds better to any treatment, so it is essential to incorporate moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Ingredients such as glycolic or lactic acid remove dead cells, improving the absorption of antioxidants. Retinoids, although not antioxidants, stimulate cell renewal, enhancing the effects of these compounds. Finally, some antioxidants work best together. For example, vitamin C combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid multiplies their effectiveness.
