Antioxidants for Skin: The Absolute Must-Have Ingredients in Your Daily Face Routine

Learn which skincare ingredients contain the most antioxidants and why you need them in your daily face routine

A daily face routine is the most important key to preserving youthful, glowing skin. Our skin is constantly exposed to daily environmental stressors like pollution, and free radicals caused by UV rays that are out of control can result in severe damage and premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. One of the best ways to protect your skin’s barrier is by building a daily face routine that’s heavy in antioxidants.

What are antioxidants?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that have the potential to cause major damage to your skin. Antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E help fight free radicals by neutralizing the unstable molecules. Using skincare products that contain antioxidants is highly important to prevent damage caused by pollutants, UV rays, and other environmental stressors.

Which skincare ingredients have the most antioxidants? 

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B-3 which is known to combat signs of aging by maintaining skin’s moisture, fighting free radicals and improving skin’s elasticity. It improves moisture retention and circulation in the skin and is also an antibacterial that can prevent breakouts. Look for serums or creams that contain this gentle yet powerful ingredient.

Retinoids

Retinoids are compounds derived from Vitamin A that aid in cell turnover. If you’ve ever used a product containing retinol or retinoic acid, then you’ve come across this power-packed ingredient. Bioactive Vitamin A not only helps diminish fine lines and fade hyperpigmentation, it also boosts collagen production, increases cell thickness, and thins the outermost layer of skin causing dead cells to fall away. According to a study done by Harvard retinoids also aid in the production of new blood vessels in the skin which can improve color and tone.

Keep in mind that retinoids will increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s best to use products containing these ingredients in your nightly routine. Applying retinoids in a serum or night cream is a great way to fit retinoids into your regimen. Follow with a product that contains SPF 40 or higher like a sheer tinted moisturizer during the day.

Vitamin C

In Ayurveda, botanicals containing high levels of Vitamin C are used to heal wounds. Like Vitamin A, Vitamin C contains properties that help with cell-turnover which make it a prime ingredient for anyone looking to maintain youthful skin. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants and is one of the best ingredients for getting rid of skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C can be found in plants, fruits and vegetables that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic practices. Products packed with botanicals like goji berries and citrus extracts that contain this powerfully healing nutrient. In more modern skincare technology, scientists have harnessed the natural power of this ingredient to produce medical-grade Vitamin C which can be found in lotions, serums and creams.

Hyaluronic Acid

SELF Magazine named hyaluronic acid as one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients. While it isn’t itself an antioxidant, its impact on skin when combined with antioxidants is out of this world. It’s a component of the body’s collagen and can absorb 1000 times its weight in moisture. The major benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it’s gentle enough to be used daily. With consistent use, it will leave skin dewy and plump. Moisture is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine that aims to prevent skin damage and premature aging.

Hyaluronic acid can be found in many types of products from cleansers to toners, serums, creams and other body products. You’ll find plenty of great options to include in your daily self care routine.