There are hundreds of skincare products that claim to be anti-aging and rejuvenating. The buzz around purported skin rejuvenators like anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, nutritional supplements and photo-stable sunscreens is intriguing but can seem overwhelming.

No cream, lotion or serum can completely stop or reverse the skin’s aging process. However, there are certain products that show promise - and have scientific research to back up their claims. Antioxidants and broad-spectrum sunscreens can truly rejuvenate the skin. The key is finding the products that work best for your skin type—and using them correctly.

What are Antioxidants?

Some of the most researched and well-known antioxidants are ingredients like Vitamins A, C, and E; flavonoids; beta carotene; glutathione; selenium; and zinc. Antioxidants serve a very specific purpose: to lessen the damage caused by free radicals. Each time your skin or body reacts to a perceived trauma (basically stress or increased oxygen intake), free radicals are produced. Cigarette smoking, sunlight, pollution and foods high in bad fats and sugar all lead to increased levels of free radicals.

Why are Free Radicals Bad?

All extrinsic skin aging can be attributed to oxidation and free radical damage. Free radicals cause the breakdown of the skin’s structure, leading to wrinkles, rough skin, dehydration and an eventual loss of elasticity, resilience. The antioxidants found in food (fruits and vegetables), supplements and topical treatments work together to mitigate the damage caused by free radicals.

Tried and True Antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E

These antioxidants are backed by the most research and have a history of efficacy in skin rejuvenation. The increasingly sophisticated delivery systems and formulations these antioxidants are used in make them especially potent and stable.

Vitamin C :

·           Potent antioxidant, noted for protecting skin cells from sun damage

·           Low risk of skin irritation at concentrations of 10 percent or lower

·           Strengthens skin’s barrier and minimizes water loss

·           Encourages collagen production, thereby thickening the skin’s dermal layer

·           Reduces inflammation

·           Lightens hyperpigmentation

Vitamin E :

·           Protects the skin from UVA damage

·           Increases sunscreen’s efficacy, especially when combined with other antioxidants

·           Works synergistically with Vitamin C

·           Lessens the impact of free radicals from stress

·           Protects the skin’s lipid balance

·           Helps reduce the intensity of a sunburn

·           Lubricates the skin with natural emollients

Vitamin A :

·           Retinol refers to the entire Vitamin A molecule, which can be broken down into smaller components such as retinoic acid and retinaldehyde

·           Promotes collagen production

·           Reverses certain types of sun damage

·           Increases the thickness of the dermis

Keep in mind that packaging can make or break the potency of antioxidants like Vitamin C and Retinol. Because any exposure to air causes oxidation, products packaged in jars or translucent tubes won’t be stable.

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