10 Best Antioxidants For Skin To Prevent Oxidative Damage

Why Are Antioxidants Essential For Skin?

Antioxidants protect the skin from premature aging by capturing excess free radicals during oxidative stress (1).  Free radicals (unstable molecules with missing electrons) are normally produced during bodily functions such as cellular respiration or from external triggers like pollution, UV rays, medication, and radiation (2).

Although free radicals are essential for the body’s immune response, excess of these molecules can cause inflammation and damage healthy cells (2).  Hence, it is important to counteract their effects with antioxidants. Research has shown that including antioxidants in one€™s diet and using them topically from skincare products can fight free radicals and oxidative stress (1).

In the next section, we discuss how antioxidants can benefit skin health.

• Protect The Skin From Photodamage: Antioxidants prevent and repair the skin damage caused by UV rays (1). A double-blind, randomized study published in the Journal Of Photochemistry and Photobiology has demonstrated that applied antioxidants such as grape seed extract, vitamin E, ubiquinone, and vitamin C, along with the use of sunscreen, effectively protected human skin against IRA (Infrared A radiation) (3). Thus, antioxidants offer partial protection from sunburns and UV rays.
• Fight The Early Signs Of Aging: Vitamin A or retinoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E are used to reduce the early signs of photoaging (4). These antioxidants help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity and firmness for a more youthful look (4). They help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Help Treat Acne-Prone Skin: Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives popularly prescribed to manage acne (5). The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) approves the use of retinoids to fight acne and related issues (6). It is speculated that these antioxidants help reduce acne due to their comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties (5).
• Help Skin Repair Itself: The anti-inflammatory properties of antioxidants help skin repair and rejuvenate itself. Antioxidants boost the production of collagen that helps in skin cell regeneration (7).
• Help Brighten Skin Tone: Vitamin C helps in skin brightening by reducing hyperpigmentation (8). It reduces the rate of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color) formation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase (8). Ferulic acid is another antioxidant that may help in skin brightening (9).
• May Help Reduce Skin Cancer Risk: Animal studies found that Vitamin A derivative inhibited the growth of skin papillomas and skin cancer (10). Green tea and beta-carotene were powerful antioxidants that helped in fighting cancer (10).

There is no doubt that antioxidants are vital for healthy skin. In the next section, we discuss a few popular antioxidants and how they can help promote your skin health.

The Best Antioxidants For Your Skin Needs

1. Vitamin C

What It Does

• Vitamin C helps promote the formation of the epidermal barrier (4). This barrier protects the body from pathogens, toxins, and water loss.
• It also boosts collagen production and makes skin plump and supple (4).
• It prevents skin oxidation and protects the skin from sun damage (4).
• It delays the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (4).
• It reduces hyperpigmentation by fading dark spots and making the skin tone even (8). It may also lighten melasma (4).

Trivia

In, 1937, Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering vitamin C and explaining oxidation.

Best Use

• Skin brightening

2. Retinol (Vitamin A)

What It Does

• Increases healthy cellular turnover (4). Its small size is an obvious advantage as it can easily penetrate the cells and accelerate cell repair and renewal. It gently exfoliates the dull upper layers of the skin and reveals new skin cells. It helps smoothen the skin and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• It also makes skin firmer and supple (4).
• It regulates the function of the sebaceous glands and limits sebum production. It also helps balance the oil production and reduces acne scars (4).
• It improves complexion by influencing the distribution of melanin in the skin (4). It helps reduce hyperpigmentation, acne spots, and scars.

Best Use

• Acne Management

3. Vitamin E

What It Does

• Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant that moisturizes and nourishes dry skin.
• It helps the skin look younger by boosting collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and age spots (4), (11).
• Makes the skin firm and supple by improving its elasticity (4).
• Protects the skin from photodamage (4).

Best Use

• Moisturizing

4. Resveratrol

What It Does

• Resveratrol protects against UVB-induced photodamage (12). This antioxidant is found in grapes, berries, and dark chocolate. It protects the skin from sun damage by fighting free radicals.
• It reduces pigmentation and helps brighten the skin complexion as well as improves the skin texture (12).
• It prevents collagen degradation. As we age, the rate of collagen production reduces. This antioxidant keeps the collagen from degrading quickly and helps delay the aging process (12).
• It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties (13). It can help soothe skin irritation, redness, and inflammation.

Best Use

• Anti-aging

5. Co-enzyme Q10 or Ubiquinone / CoQ10

What It Does

• It protects the skin from free radicals (14). It scavenges the free radicals from metabolic processes and helps fight oxidative stress.
• It helps maintain a healthy skin barrier (14). This antioxidant is found in the skin barrier and helps defend the body from pathogens, toxins, and allergens.
• It prevents collagen breakdown (15). Co-enzyme Q10 suppresses an enzyme called collagenase responsible for the breakdown of collagen. The antioxidant helps keep the skin firm and healthy for longer.
• It improves skin tone by reducing pigmentation (16).

Best Use

• Anti-aging

6. Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

What It Does

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has potent anti-inflammatory and depigmenting properties (17). It helps improve the texture and tone of the skin. It is known to reduce brown spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin redness (18). It soothes the skin and is recommended for treating skin conditions such as rosacea.
• Niacinamide helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity (18).
• It makes skin soft and radiant.

Best Use

• Improves skin tone and texture

Pro Tip

Be cautious when using products containing niacinamide. Higher concentrations can cause irritation and redness, especially because the skin absorbs niacinamide easily.

7. Ferulic Acid

What It Does

• Topical ferulic acid may protect against sun damage (9).
• It also helps in skin repair and wound healing (9). It protects the skin cells by preventing the degradation of enzymes that are vital for skin health.
• It inhibits melanin production and reduces hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone (9).

Best Use

• Skin brightening

8. Green Tea

What It Does

• Green tea is rich in catechins (4). These antioxidants protect the cells from free radical damage. Green tea also helps repair the skin by decreasing collagen degradation. This reduces fine lines and wrinkles and gives the skin a more youthful appearance.
• It also protects the skin from sun damage. It soothes the skin and reduces redness and irritation (4).

Best Use

• Calms the skin

9. Curcumin

What It Does

• Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory polyphenol. It soothes the skin. It is often recommended to manage skin conditions such as psoriasis and skin inflammation (19).
• It fights the early signs of aging (20).
• It has anti-bacterial properties too (19).

Best Use

• Skin brightening and anti-bacterial

10. Carotenoid

What It Does

• Carotenoid is a type of antioxidant that imparts a yellow or orange hue to food, flowers, leaves, and marine animals. They are divided into xanthophylls (containing oxygen) and carotenes (without oxygen) (21).
• It boosts collagen and elastin production and improves the elasticity of the skin (21).
• It protects the skin from oxidative stress, which may reduce the risk of cancer (21).
• It filters UV rays to delay the signs of photoaging such as fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the severity of redness (21).
• It prevents trans-epidermal water loss and maintains skin hydration (21).
• It improves skin texture, brightens the skin, and reduces discoloration (21).

Best Use

• Anti-aging and skin brightening

When it comes to skincare products with antioxidants, we are spoilt for choice. We have a simple checklist that will guide you to pick the right product. Check it out!

What To Look For While Choosing Skin Care Products With Antioxidants?

1. Always look for products with multiple antioxidants. Not only do they stabilize each other but they also work synergistically.
2. Look at the quality of the ingredients, their concentration, and their bioavailability. Consult a licensed esthetic physician or a dermatologist for further information.
3. Test the products and choose the one that works best for your skin and your skin concerns (like wrinkles, blemishes, pigmentation, and acne).
4. Check the packaging. Since most antioxidants degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight, ensure the product you pick comes in dark or opaque air-tight containers.

The Downside Of Antioxidants

1. They oxidize or break down quickly. Hence, it is important to package them properly for better shelf life. They are vulnerable to external conditions such as air, temperature, and light.
2. The formulations tested in the lab or in research studies do not guarantee consistent results in real time (1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hyaluronic acid an antioxidant?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid acts as an antioxidant, targeting oxygen-rich free radicals and preventing further damage to skin cells.

What is the strongest antioxidant?

Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant produced by the human body. It’s made up of three different amino acids: glycine, glutamine, and cysteine. Glutathione, as a significant antioxidant, aids in the neutralization of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Is aloe vera an antioxidant?

Aloe vera gel is widely utilized in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries because it contains powerful antioxidants (22).

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Dr. Seepika JaiswalMBBS, Diploma In Dermatology, FAM

   

Dr. Seepika Jaiswal is a cosmetic dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and micro pigmentation specialist with 7 years of experience. After completing her MBBS, she went on to do a diploma in weight loss and another in clinical dermatology from the University of London. She has a fellowship in aesthetic medicine from Germany and a master's degree in medical micro pigmentation/permanent...more

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more