Keeping our skin looking youthfully fresh, blemish-free and tightly toned as we age and protecting it against daily environmental stressors is possible thanks to antioxidants. Although most people have heard of antioxidant skin care products, few know what they are, what they do and why they are a must for your skin care routine. Read on to find out more!
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidant molecules defend our skin against environmental damage and neutralise skin-cell-damaging free radicals – the number one cause of visible signs of ageing, such as a dull skin tone, wrinkles, sagging and fine lines.
Sun Exposure and Collagen Breakdown
We all know how harmful the sun’s rays can be, but what does UV exposure actually do to our skin? The degree of lifetime sun exposure has a significant effect on the photoageing of our skin. Wrinkles, deep furrows, lines, age spots (or sunspots), broken capillaries, dryness and pigmentation are just some of the signs of photoageing.
UV radiation also breaks down collagen and prevents the production of new collagen. Collagen – a major component of our skin – is a protein that is vital for skin elasticity, repair and renewal and helps keep our skin looking taut and healthy.
Photoageing and collagen breakdown due to the sun’s harsh UV rays are the leading causes of premature ageing.
The Benefits of Antioxidants in Skin Care Products
The powerful anti-ageing benefits of antioxidants have seen a rise in the formulation of antioxidant-infused skin care products. By penetrating deep into the skin layers, daily use of antioxidant skin care formulas encourages a more youthful appearance by reinvigorating our skin and reducing the visible signs of ageing, promoting a smooth, radiant and even skin tone in two important ways.
Antioxidants help shield the skin from UV damage
Although sunscreens help protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, they do not offer 100% protection. UV light can still penetrate the skin, causing sunburn and generating free radicals. By neutralising free radicals, antioxidants help repair and shield our skin against sun damage and photoageing. This diminishes the appearance of sunspots, blemishes and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even complexion.
Antioxidants help stimulate collagen
Collagen breaks down as we age and is further depleted by UV rays. By stimulating collagen synthesis, antioxidant-rich skin care formulas can help revitalise, strengthen and firm skin, as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen also helps keep our skin hydrated, supple and youthfully plump in its appearance, minimising dryness, dullness and inflammation. As topical antioxidants deliver benefits straight to your skin, these products are a must in anyone’s skincare routine.
Ready to take charge and look after your skin today? Here at the Victorian Dermal Group, we offer in-clinic treatments and online consultations and can answer any concerns you have about your skin and premature ageing.
Our highly skilled and certified clinicians are passionate about skin care. Our personalised treatments and medical-grade technologies are results-driven, helping your skin look and feel younger, smoother and healthier.
Contact the Victorian Dermal Group today and unlock your inner radiance.
