Antioxidants and Free Radicals in Skincare

What Are Antioxidants + Free Radicals in Skincare

When people talk about Antioxidants in skincare it's followed by neutralizes free radicals. Somehow, we've all accepted that antioxidants are good, and the fact that they neutralize free radicals is also good. But what exactly do antioxidants do, what are free radicals, why are they bad, and what can we do to protect our skin against them?

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What are Antioxidants & Free Radicals?

Antioxidants are a property of certain ingredients; they're not actually ingredients themselves. Antioxidants balance out free radicals which are naturally occurring compounds that can cause harm when their levels get too high.

Internally, an abundance of free radicals can be linked to the causes of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Externally, they can lead to discoloration, hyperpigmentation, breakouts, and other detrimental skin conditions.

It should be noted that your body requires a balance of antioxidants and free radicals to operate at full capacity since Free Radicals help your immune system fight off infections. But when free radicals outnumber antioxidants, your body can go into oxidative stress, which can lead to any of the conditions listed above.

Where can you find free radicals?

As mentioned, Free Radicals occur naturally and your body produces them to help fight off infections. But when their levels can get too high (both internally and topically), it's probably due to external exposure from air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, high blood sugar levels or, or other factors. Free Radicals affect everyone differently, so a rise in their levels may cause imbalance either in your body, on your skin, or both.

Where can you find Antioxidants?

The two most common Antioxidant-rich ingredients, both in food and in skincare, are Vitamins C and E. Most fruits and vegetables are also high in antioxidants, and while meat and fish do contain them, the concentration isn't as high as in plant-based foods.

How can you incorporate Antioxidants into your skincare routine?

Look for skincare products that incorporate Vitamins C and E in high concentrations, as well as plant-based ingredients that contain a high concentration of antioxidants. Our line of products is full of skin-loving, antioxidant-rich ingredients.

CC Me Serum contains two types of Vitamin C, as well as a Botanical Cocktail that contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like Coffee and Green Tea.

Super Amino Gel Cleanser contains Vitamin E and Overtime Mask contains Vitamin C. The plant-based oils in R+R Mask, especially Avocado and Grape Seed Oil, are full of antioxidants as well. Babymoon and Summer Skin include Vitamin E and all-natural oils rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidant-rich ingredients are always at the top of our priority list in our skincare routine. Protection is the best way to keep your skin looking and feeling its healthiest so you can continue to glow from the inside out.