Explore the dual power of antioxidants found in both your diet and skincare routine. Fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants, promote overall health. When applied topically, antioxidants become your skin's defense and repair agents, fostering a youthful glow, reducing inflammation, and enhancing skin tone.  

Let's jump into the science of
topical antioxidants
and unlock the secret to
radiant, resilient skin.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that aid in shielding the body from the detrimental impacts of free radicals, which are exceedingly reactive molecules capable of harming cells, DNA, and proteins.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals, unstable molecules with unpaired electrons, are highly reactive and prone to oxidation, as seen in a browning apple. In seeking stability, they engage in reactions with other molecules, initiating a chain reaction that causes harm to the structure and genetic material (DNA) of normally health cells.

How do antioxidants work and why do we need them?

Unfortunately, the harm caused by free radicals triggers inflammation, disrupting the skin's natural self-repair mechanisms. Over time, this disruption may contribute to hyperpigmentation, acne, and cell damage, ultimately leading to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Antioxidants function by either neutralizing or preventing the harmful effects of free radicals, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. 

What do topical antioxidants do?

Antioxidants function by scavenging loose electrons from atoms, preventing them from inducing cell damage. 

They're a valuable addition to your skincare routine:

• for a youthful glow
• to help with inflammation
• to brighten skin tone
• to help skin repair itself

Some of the best antioxidants for your skin are vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin E, ferulic acid, retinol (vitamin A), and polyphenols.

Spotlight on polyphenols

Research indicates that incorporating and applying substances abundant in polyphenols can enhance the skin's inherent protection against oxidative stress, deter the manifestation of aging indicators, and address DNA damage. 

What are polyphenols and how can they improve your skin?

Polyphenols are a diverse group of compounds present in numerous plant foods. They play a crucial role in revitalizing the skin and upholding a resilient skin barrier through their involvement in cellular repair processes. By fortifying the skin's innate defense mechanisms, polyphenols empower it to more effectively resist damage induced by free radicals and various stressors.

Utilizing antioxidant-rich polyphenols in your skincare routine

Incorporating skincare products enriched with polyphenols offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging advantages when applied directly to the skin. Internally, embracing a diet rich in polyphenol-packed foods contributes to overall skin health. Antioxidant-rich sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and teas become essential components in promoting skin well-being. 

Polyphenol-infused serums, lotions, and face oils help strengthen the skin's defenses against environmental aggressors while also offering additional nourishment. Both Élixir Exfoliant and Sérum Radiant are full of polyphenols and antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as apple, baobab, black cumin, black currant, cranberry, hibiscus, jojoba, papaya, plum, prickly pear, raspberry, rice bran, rosa rubiginosa, rosemary, sacha inchi, and sea buckthorn. Learn more about our potent antioxidant-rich ingredients. 

The bottom line

The impact of free radical damage doesn't manifest overnight, and neither do the benefits of antioxidants. It's a gradual process. Starting in your 20s can result in subtle effects, preventing early signs of aging by thwarting free-radical damage. Antioxidants also play a reparative role. Undoing previous damage requires patience; it may take weeks or even longer to observe changes. Initially, you might notice increased plumpness and a radiant complexion, with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles becoming more evident after a few months.

It's never too late to
incorporate antioxidants
into your daily routine.