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Skin Care Guide - Antioxidants

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are protective molecules that neutralize free radicals – highly reactive oxygen compounds formed during oxidative stress.1 Free radicals attack cell structures such as lipids, proteins and DNA, accelerating skin aging. In skincare, antioxidants help prevent this damage and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.

How common is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress affects every skin type – regardless of age.2 Especially in urban areas or under intense UV exposure, thousands of free radicals form daily within skin cells. Regular use of antioxidant-rich products helps buffer these effects and strengthen the skin’s natural defenses.

Main causes of oxidative stress

  1. UV radiation (sunlight or tanning beds)
  2. Air pollution (fine dust, ozone)
  3. Blue light (HEV light from screens)
  4. Tobacco smoke & alcohol
  5. Inflammation & internal stress factors
  6. Unbalanced diet

These factors promote the formation of free radicals, leading over time to pigmentation, loss of elasticity, premature wrinkles or dull, uneven tone.3

Types of antioxidants

  • Enzymatic antioxidants (e.g. superoxide dismutase)
  • Vitamin-based antioxidants (vitamins C, E, A)
  • Plant-derived antioxidants (e.g. resveratrol, green tea extract)
  • Cell-protecting molecules (e.g. ectoine)

These compounds protect cells from oxidative damage, reduce inflammation and support skin regeneration.

Natural vs. synthetic antioxidants

Many plant extracts naturally contain antioxidants – such as grape seed, matcha, astaxanthin or cocoa – making them ideal for sensitive skin in gentle formulations.

Synthetic forms like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) offer higher stability and potency but must be formulated carefully to avoid irritation.4

Evidence-based antioxidant skincare

Antioxidants act both preventively and reparatively. Studies show:

  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Reduces pigmentation, boosts collagen and protects against photoaging – a key ingredient in the Porcelain Skin Serum by NATURFACTOR.5
  • Vitamin E (tocopherol): Stabilizes cell membranes, shields lipids from oxidation and soothes irritation – found in the Blue Crystal Drops Face Oil as a rich antioxidant complex.6
  • Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening – ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin.7
  • Resveratrol: Powerful antioxidant that protects against environmental stress.8
  • Ectoine: Adaptive cell-protection molecule shielding skin from heat, UV and pollution.9

Lifestyle & nutrition

  • Eat fruits & vegetables rich in polyphenols (berries, broccoli, spinach)
  • Green tea, turmeric & dark chocolate provide potent plant compounds
  • Adequate sleep & stress reduction support the skin’s antioxidant balance
  • Avoid smoking and ensure daily UV protection

FAQ

  1. Can I use multiple antioxidants together?
    Yes – combinations such as vitamin C + E + ferulic acid enhance each other’s effects.5
  2. Are antioxidants suitable for all skin types?
    Generally yes; sensitive skin should prefer mild formulas with ectoine or niacinamide.
  3. When should I apply antioxidants?
    In the morning, after cleansing and before sunscreen, for maximum protection.
  4. Can I use them at night?
    Yes – vitamin C and E support overnight repair; combine with retinol by alternating usage.

Conclusion

Antioxidants are essential in modern skincare. They defend against environmental stress, strengthen the skin’s defenses and prevent premature aging. A daily routine with antioxidant-rich formulas – like the Porcelain Skin Serum and Blue Crystal Drops Face Oil by NATURFACTOR – promotes a radiant, balanced and youthful complexion.

References

  1. Masaki H. Role of Antioxidants in the Skin. J Dermatol Sci 2009.
  2. Valacchi G et al. Skin Exposure to Urban Air Pollution. Front Environ Sci 2020.
  3. Vierkötter A & Krutmann J. Environmental Influences on Skin Aging. Dermato-Endocrinology 2012.
  4. Farris P K. Topical Vitamin C and Photoaging. Dermatol Surg 2005.
  5. Lin J Y et al. Ferulic Acid Stabilizes Vitamins C and E. J Invest Dermatol 2005.
  6. Thiele J J et al. Vitamin E in Dermatology. Dermatol Surg 2005.
  7. Draelos Z D. Niacinamide and Retinoids. Dermatol Ther 2013.
  8. Berman A Y et al. Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol. Nutrients 2017.
  9. Peuschel H et al. Ectoine Protects Against ROS-Induced Skin Aging. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2022.
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