Antioxidants

Antioxidants help protect our cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during normal bodily processes and exposure to factors like UV radiation and pollution. They can cause cellular damage, leading to ageing, inflammation, and various skin diseases.

Types of antioxidants:

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A fat-soluble antioxidant that provides significant benefits to the skin including the replenishment of the skin’s lipids. It is well absorbed and is especially potent when combined with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

An antioxidant that is in a league of its own when it comes to anti-ageing as it can increase collagen in the dermis. It helps to fade dark marks and skin discolourations and it is often found in skin brightening treatments. Clinical studies have shown that Vitamin C can skin look brighter, and more youthful.

Resveratrol

A potent polyphenol antioxidant found in grapes, various berries, nuts and other plant sources and it has been called the “longevity molecule”. It has superior protective properties as it boosts an endogenous antioxidant defence system that is lost with age and accumulative sun damage. It replenishes depleted antioxidant levels and fortifies the skin against the effects of oxidative stress. It is also an anti-inflammatory so it reduces inflammation and cell damage.

Ferulic Acid

A plant-based antioxidant that neutralises free radicals and helps to inhibit UV-induced skin discolourations and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Phloretin 

A plant-derived phytochemical found in apples. It exhibits potent antioxidant activity and has been shown to hinder several types of destructive enzymes and it helps to accelerate cellular repair. It protects against free radical damage while improving the appearance of discolouration and uneven skin tone.

Pycnogenol

One of the most powerful and effective oral antioxidants you can take. Pycnogenol is a recently discovered super antioxidant, derived from French Maritime Pine Bark with anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties.

Bakuchiol

Found in the seeds and leaves of the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia). It is commonly found in India and some parts of Asia and has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. It is an antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Bakuchiol is comparable to Retinol in its ability to improve photo-ageing by reducing fine lines, skin texture and improving age spots.

Silymarin

A powerful plant-based antioxidant derived from Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum). It not only fights free radicals to protect the skin but also inhibits lipid oxidation on the skin’s surface, reducing inflammation and potential blemishes.

Co-enzyme Q10 

Also known as Ubiquinone is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin by neutralising harmful free radicals which are one of the causes of skin ageing. It also plays a big role in energy production and may help to reduce fine lines.

Green Tea Extract

Has great antioxidant benefits and is a source of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a polyphenol compound.  These polyphenols help to neutralise harmful free radicals that can cause damage to DNA causing premature ageing as well as skin cancer. They also help to reduce lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

Treatment tips that can help when implementing Antioxidants

• Antioxidants must be formulated and packaged correctly because if they are exposed to light and air they will degrade and lose their potency and efficacy
• Good-quality antioxidants are generally packaged in coloured containers or airless pumps
• They enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens by preventing sun damage
• Topical and oral antioxidants are not a replacement for SPF protection
• A combination of antioxidants plus sun protection provides a strong defence against many signs of ageing and the development of skin cancer
• By combining antioxidants they increase their potency and protective capabilities compared with one antioxidant alone
• Vitamin C serums that are formulated at a very low pH can cause sensitivity to the skin
• The combination of Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic acid yields 8 times more defence against environmental damage
• Generally, antioxidant serums come in the form of a glass dropper or ampoule, where you can simply drop 4-5 drops directly onto the skin and spread using your fingertips
• Vitamin C is generally well-tolerated especially the milder, derivative forms

Skincare products that contain antioxidants

Antioxidant serums Dr Webster recommends:

• SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic®
• MartiDerm Proteos Hydra Plus Ampoules (10 Units)
• Endocare Radiance C Ferulic Edafence Serum
• Lamelle Vita-C Lipid Serum
• Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%

Antioxidant creams Dr Webster recommends:

• Dermaceutic C25 Cream
• Huxley Glow Awakening Cream

Antioxidant sunscreens Dr Webster recommends:

• Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream SPF 50+
• MartiDerm Active [D] Fluid SPF 50+
• Huxley Stay Sun Safe SPF 50+ PA++++