So, there is a lot of conversation about antioxidants – skin experts will tell you that you need to consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and there will be those who will talk about using products that have antioxidant factors.
But have you ever wondered why some antioxidants are so important? What is it about these tiny molecules that makes them so essential for your skin?
We at indē wild have spent a fair amount of time diving into the world of antioxidants and uncovering their role in protecting and rejuvenating your skin.
What are antioxidants and what are the antioxidant benefits for skin
In simple terms, antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Think of free radicals as tiny troublemakers generated by factors like pollution, UV rays, and even stress. These unstable molecules can harm your skin cells, leading to premature aging, dullness, and uneven skin tone.
And this is where antioxidants come to your rescue – they neutralize the free radicals, preventing them from wreaking havoc on your skin. But their role doesn’t stop there! Antioxidants also help repair damage, boost collagen production and improve your skin’s overall health and appearance.
The effects of free radicals on your skin
Free radicals are everywhere, and avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible. This is all that free radicals can do to your skin:
- It can bring the onset of premature aging with fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin becoming prominent.
- Dark spots and uneven skin tone often result from prolonged exposure to free radicals.
- Free radicals can cause inflammation, redness, irritation and breakouts, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Thankfully, with the right antioxidants in your skincare arsenal, you can shield your skin and even reverse some of this damage.
The ingredients you need to look for in your antioxidant serum for skin
So, which are the most potent antioxidants for your skin? If you are picking an antioxidant serum for skin, what ingredients should you look out for?
Here are some of the main antioxidants that your skin really needs:
- Vitamin C - A powerhouse antioxidant, Vitamin C brightens the skin, evens out tone, and boosts collagen production. It’s particularly effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and giving your skin that coveted glow.
- Vitamin E - This nourishing antioxidant works beautifully alongside Vitamin C to enhance its effects. Vitamin E also soothes and hydrates, making it ideal for repairing damaged skin.
- Bakuchiol - Often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol, Bakuchiol is gentle on the skin yet highly effective. It’s known for its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce fine lines and improve texture.
- Niacinamide - A multitasking antioxidant that calms inflammation, reduces redness, and strengthens your skin’s barrier, niacinamide can be used for almost all skin types.
- Squalane – Yet another powerful antioxidant, squalane can hydrate and soothe your skin, while fighting the free radicals and giving your younger looking skin.
- Green tea extract - Packed with polyphenols, green tea extract reduces redness, combats acne, and provides anti-aging benefits.
Having understood the benefits of these antioxidants, we at indē wild choose these ingredients to add to our skincare products and give you the benefits in the easiest-to-use forms.
Here’s how you can use an antioxidant for skin benefits
Adding antioxidants to your routine doesn’t have to be complicated; it is actually easier than you think!
- Start with a clean canvas – You would never start a painting on a canvas that has already been used right? It’s pretty much same with your skin too. Clean your skin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and impurities, because you need to prepare your skin to absorb the antioxidants effectively.
- Apply your serums - Antioxidant serums are generally highly concentrated, making them an excellent way to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. So, we created our AM Sunrise Glow Serum with Vitamins C and E as well as niacinamide, making it the perfect way to deliver antioxidants into your skin in the morning. And when the day is done, you can use our PM Sunset Restore Serum, which contains bakuchiol and squalane, which will help repair and rejuvenate your skin, as you sleep!
- Don’t skip sunscreen – Did you know that antioxidants work best when paired with sunscreen? UV rays are a significant source of free radicals, so protecting your skin from the sun is crucial.
There are some other points that you need to keep in mind too – if you want to get the true antioxidant benefits for skin, you need to make sure that you are consistent with your routine. To see noticeable improvements, you need to make antioxidants a regular part of your routine. Some antioxidants work better together, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E create a synergistic effect that enhances their individual benefits. This is why, we have made sure that we paired these heroes in our AM serum. And remember skincare isn’t just about what you put on your skin. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables into your diet can enhance your skin’s health from the inside out.
At indē wild, we go beyond just offering you skin and hair care products – we want to give you products that are easy to use, truly effective and are designed to give you the best skin and hair!