Antioxidant Serum For Skin – Medically Reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP – Written by Breanna Mona on December 13, 2021
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Antioxidant Serum For Skin
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La Roche Posay Aox Daily Antioxidant Serum Spf 50
In case you haven’t noticed, antioxidant serums are hot right now and it’s not all hype, we swear.
We love to soak up antioxidants in food, coffee, and tea because they fight a bunch of BS that nobody has time for—namely, oxidative stress caused by free radicals (like air pollution, cigarette smoke, disease, and UV rays) .
But can antioxidants do the same thing when placed on our skin? We’re glad you asked.
We talked to a few board-certified dermatologists to get the scoop on what these serums can do (spoiler alert: free radical protection, brightening, hella moisturizing, to name a few) and then set out to find the best options out there. . .
Why Timeless Is The Best Antioxidant Serum?
To give you a more scientific explanation of how antioxidant serums work, we asked Dr. Kelly Reed, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Cory L., a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. We talked to Hartman.
“Free radicals can cause skin diseases, including rashes and skin cancer, as well as [premature] aging,” Reid says. According to Hartman, free radicals formed from UV exposure break down collagen, causing skin to darken and sag. Collagen breakdown also causes fine lines and wrinkles.
To prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer and other problems, we need to neutralize free radicals. This is where antioxidants come in on a white horse—they help prevent that damage by giving your cells a better shot at producing collagen.
This is important because – as Hartman explains – collagen production peaks at age 22 and declines every decade after that (ugh). So, he says, it’s important to avoid the breakdown as much as possible.
Buy Timeless Antioxidant Skin Serum
Serums in particular help you achieve that. Hartman says the serum absorbs deep into the part of your skin that produces collagen and elastin. Thanks to the molecular size of the serum, you will have better penetration and absorption compared to lotions or moisturizing creams.
Plus, because the active ingredients go deep into the skin, they’re highly effective at adding moisture and targeting free radicals.
Tl;dr: Because skin is constantly under threat of free radical damage—and because antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals—antioxidant serums are frequently used in skin care products to treat skin, Hartmann says.
Sooo what should you look for in an antioxidant serum? Hartman suggests starting by nailing down your biggest skin care goal or concern (reducing the signs of aging, treating acne, hyperpigmentation, etc.).
Rejuvenating Antioxidant Serum
Hartman says there can be too much of a good thing. “When starting a new antioxidant serum, you want to start incorporating it into your routine 2 to 3 times a week to make sure your skin reacts well.
He says if you experience redness or your skin feels hot after using a new product, stop using it and talk to your derm if you can.
Reid agrees that some products can irritate the skin and sometimes cause redness or dry skin. As for vitamin C, its tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate form may be better tolerated by those with ascorbic acid irritation, she says, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping.
Additionally, people with sensitive skin may want to avoid retinol (especially in high concentrations), which can cause serious irritation.
A E Skin Triple Antioxidant Serum
Reid says the airless ones (pumps) are the best. “Tubs or small pots are not suitable for sensitive ingredients. Vitamin C is relatively unstable and degrades rapidly when exposed to light and air. Also, look for dark, opaque containers that block UV rays that can deactivate sensitive ingredients like antioxidants,” she says.
Hartman tells us that this is a good place to break out. “You get the most for your money. But beyond the price tag, look at the active ingredients to make sure they work well together. If you don’t know, ask your board certified dermatologist!
Reid says she tells her patients that this is one area she recommends sparging. “You’re paying for the research behind the specific topicals you use, as well as the packaging, which plays a big role in the antioxidant’s stability.”
She also suggests choosing one with a combination of a pair of antioxidants, saying these have a powerful effect. Basically, she says, try to score one that has a combination of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with vitamin E and ferulic acid, as there is strong evidence behind this combination.
Skin Balancing Antioxidant Serum 30ml
Hartman says Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is the gold standard and works best for those with dry skin. Reed also recommends this option, calling it one of the gold standards of topical vitamin C serums.
“It has a trifecta combination of 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and ferulic acid. There is strong data to support the synergistic effect of these three ingredients,” says Reed.
In addition, it brightens the skin, helps with the appearance of fine lines, and binds free radicals brought on by the sun and pollution.
This serum has over 10K reviews on Google, many say it’s worth the splurge, and some call it the “holy grail.” Others, less happily, find that they notice some pilling when they pair it with other products, or that it simply doesn’t do anything for their skin.
Skin Theory Antioxidant Soothing Serum & Matte Day Cream Review
Hartman says this vitamin C serum is a more affordable option that protects and brightens skin without irritating it.
The formula includes salicylic acid, a proven anti-acne, skin-smoothing exfoliator that helps reduce the appearance of large pores – so it’s a great choice for oily skin types. You’ll also find hyaluronic acid and glycerin in this serum, two ingredients that add a serious boost to hydration.
One downside is that some believe that using salicylic acid with vitamin C may make it ineffective, but it’s not clear how they interact when used together in the same formula. So there is a possibility that the vitamin C in this serum may not reach its full potential.
But the good news is, reviewers are raving about this stuff, saying it helped them reach their skincare goals at a great price.
Nourish Antioxidant Serum (30 Ml)
The formula is non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores), and is free of oil, parabens and fragrance, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types. You can use this serum solo or add it to your regular moisturizer to maximize your results.
Along with helping with dull, uneven skin tone, the brand says this serum can improve signs of aging and hydrate dry, sun-damaged skin.
It contains vitamin C Reed recommends for people who find L-ascorbic acid (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) irritating, so it’s an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. It also contains another proven antioxidant, coenzyme Q10, which adds an extra layer of protection.
The formula also contains peptides and ceramides, which are known to strengthen the skin’s barrier and replenish moisture.
Glow C Radiant Antioxidant+ Serum
Reviewers rave about the overall effect, which soothes and softens and helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Others report that the consistency is too thick or that they have an allergic reaction or breakouts. (This is our first patch test!!!).
Recommended by Reid, this daytime vitamin C serum is definitely a splurge. SkinCeuticals lands on our list several times thanks to its reputation and results. This promises to provide superior environmental protection and help fade the appearance of fine lines and discoloration.
This formula has the powerhouses we mentioned: 10 percent L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) and 0.5 percent ferulic acid. But it also has phloretin which has been proven to work on signs of aging and hyperpigmentation with safe benefits.
And, another exciting perk, the company’s website says that once absorbed, this serum is effective for 72 hours.
Craft A Simple Summer Skin Care Routine Featuring Antioxidant Serum
Reviewers love SkinCeuticals products and say this serum has worked wonders for hyperpigmentation and acne scars. They also love how it brightens their skin.
This serum is a good choice for normal, oily and combination skin types and is free of parabens, fragrances and dyes.
Reid says, “Very budget-friendly, this is a great product with two great antioxidants: niacinamide and zinc. This is especially great for acne sufferers as zinc helps to increase oil and sebum in the skin.
At the same time, it is a powerful small pore astringent and can help with texture as well.
The Winter Grace Antioxidant Serum| Mahalo Skin Care
The price tag here is low. That alone is worthy of our praise, but this selection is also cruelty-free and made without them:
The biggest downside is that the high concentration of niacinamide can cause a tingling/burning sensation that some reviewers don’t love. High concentration is also possible
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