What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are protective molecules that neutralize free radicals – highly reactive oxygen compounds formed during oxidative stress.¹ These free radicals attack cell structures such as lipids, proteins, or DNA and accelerate the skin’s aging process. In skincare, antioxidants are used to prevent this damage and keep the skin healthy in the long term.

How Common Are Free Radicals as a Problem?

Oxidative stress affects every skin type – regardless of age.² Especially in urban areas or with high UV exposure, thousands of free radicals are produced daily in skin cells. Regular skincare with antioxidants can effectively buffer this effect and make the skin more resilient.

What Causes Oxidative Stress?

The main causes of oxidative stress on the skin include:

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

These factors promote the formation of free radicals, which in the long term can lead to pigmentation spots, loss of elasticity, premature wrinkle formation, or an uneven complexion.³

Types of Antioxidants

In cosmetics, antioxidants are categorized as:

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

These substances protect cells from oxidative damage, reduce inflammatory responses, and support skin regeneration.

Natural vs. Synthetic Antioxidants

Many plant extracts naturally provide antioxidant compounds – such as grape seed, matcha, astaxanthin, or cocoa. These can be ideal for sensitive skin in gentle formulations.

Synthetically produced variants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), offer high stability and efficacy but must be well formulated to avoid irritation.⁴

Evidence-Based Treatment with Antioxidants

Antioxidants work preventively but also help repair existing skin stress. Studies show:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Reduces pigmentation, stimulates collagen synthesis, and protects against photoaging.⁵
• Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Stabilizes cell membranes, protects lipids from oxidation, and soothes irritated skin.⁶
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and strengthens the skin barrier – ideal for acne or sensitive skin.⁷
• Resveratrol: Has strong antioxidant properties and protects against environmental stress.⁸
• Ectoine: An adaptogenic cell-protecting active that shields skin from heat stress, UV, and fine dust.⁹

Lifestyle & Diet: Additional Protection

Alongside cosmetic application, nutrition and lifestyle play a key role in antioxidant protection:

• Fruits & vegetables high in polyphenols (e.g., berries, broccoli, spinach)
• Green tea, turmeric & dark chocolate provide potent plant compounds
• Adequate sleep & stress regulation help maintain the skin’s antioxidant balance
• Avoiding smoking and using UV protection are essential to prevent oxidative damage

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Antioxidants

1. Can I use multiple antioxidants at the same time?
   Yes. When combined (e.g., vitamin C + E + ferulic acid), many antioxidants enhance each other’s effectiveness.⁵
2. Are antioxidants suitable for all skin types?
   Generally, yes. Sensitive skin should look for mild formulations (e.g., with ectoine or niacinamide).
3. When is the best time to apply antioxidants?
   In the morning, after cleansing – ideally before sunscreen for optimal protection against UV and environmental stress.
4. Can antioxidants be used at night?
   Yes, especially vitamins C and E also work regeneratively overnight. Note: Vitamin C can be combined with retinol – ideally at different times.

Conclusion

Antioxidants are essential actives in modern skincare. They protect the skin from harmful environmental influences, strengthen its natural defense mechanisms, and help prevent premature aging. Anyone wishing to maintain an even, radiant complexion in the long term should incorporate a daily antioxidant-rich skincare routine – ideally paired with a healthy lifestyle.

References

1. Masaki, H. Role of antioxidants in the skin: anti-aging effects. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2009, 58(2): 85–90. Link
2. Valacchi, G., et al. Skin exposure to urban air pollution: an update on clinical and experimental findings. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2020, 8: 579295. Link
3. Vierkötter, A., Krutmann, J. Environmental influences on skin aging and ethnic-specific manifestations. Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012, 4(3): 227–231. Link
4. Farris, P. K. Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005, 31(7 Pt 2): 814–817. Link
5. Lin, J.Y., et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2005, 125(4): 826–832. Link
6. Thiele, J. J., Hsieh, S. N., Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, S. Vitamin E: Critical Review of Its Current Use in Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005, 31(7 Pt 2): 805–813. Link
7. Draelos, Z. D. The efficacy of niacinamide and retinoids in treating skin conditions: a literature review. Dermatologic Therapy, 2013, 26(4): 314–318. Link
8. Berman, A. Y., et al. The therapeutic potential of resveratrol: a review of clinical trials. Nutrients, 2017, 9(11): 1186. Link
9. Peuschel, H., et al. Ectoine protects against ROS-induced skin aging in vitro and in vivo. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2022, Article ID 2195701. Link