3 Things to Know About Antioxidants

1. Not Every Vitamin is an Antioxidant

And not every antioxidant is a vitamin. Some vitamins are anti-oxidants, however. Vitamin D, for example, has little to no antioxidant capacity. It cannot neutralize a free radical. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a potent free radical scavenger (anti-oxidant) and a necessary vitamin. Look for products with high potent antioxidants like vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), and Glutathione.

2. Let Your Skin Feast

For the best protection, wear a formula with several antioxidants. Studies show they work together, becoming more powerful when they’re combined than when they are alone. For example, vitamin C is more potent than green tea extract and grapeseed extract, but none of them alone, can do near what they can do together in terms of fighting off free radicals and keeping oxidative stress to a minimum.

3. Be Quick

Wearing a sunscreen or moisturizer with antioxidants is fine, but serums penetrate faster than creams when applied to bare skin. The strongest concentrations are usually the most stable, so look for one in a dark or opaque bottle. A change in color, smell, or texture of the product can mean the antioxidants have oxidized. Make sure the lid is tightly closed on these types of products, and store them in a cool, dark place to minimize the oxidation process.

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