Antioxidants and skincare have gone hand-in-hand for years, especially during those warm summer months where protecting your skin from the sun is more imperative than ever.
Opportunities for sun damage arise constantly during this laid-back season, and broad-spectrum suncream is an absolute must. What else can you do to achieve the maximum protection for your pores?
Here's where antioxidants come in. They're the ideal way to neutralise the visible effects the sun may have on your skin, like wrinkles or dark spots.
If you haven't found your perfect product yet, we highly recommend IMAGE Skincare's collection of antioxidants.
Free radicals (AKA reactive oxygen species) form in our bodies in numerous different ways, mainly through UV rays. These molecules are missing an electron, so they damage other cells in the process of searching for one.
Antioxidants come in to save the day by "donating" an electron to free radicals, neutralising them and minimising skin damage.
Adding antioxidants to your skincare routine can boost your sun protection and after-sun care, and we've chosen our top five best antioxidant products to look out for this summer.
1. Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Red wine has helped to popularise the heart-healthy benefits of grapes (Thank the Lord) but grapes can also protect your skin.
Grape seed extract contains polyphenols, which are among the best-known free radical fighters. True story. The extract also contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant which is also the source of wine’s cardio benefits.
Our choice: IMAGE Skincare's VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum, €76.
2. Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Often credited as the source behind the flawless complexions of the Japanese, green tea has long been known for its amazing health benefits. It’s also a potent antioxidant, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Our choices; IMAGE Skincare's ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50, VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76, and VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum, €67.
These three are all formulated with green tea extract for a burst of antioxidant power.
3. Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract
In the West, the ingredient is better known as pennywort but it's been prized in the East since ancient times for it's undeniable health benefits. It's become a cult favourite in skincare for it's anti-ageing properties.
Gotu Jola is a rich source of phytonutrients called flavonoids that act as antioxidants. The antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species which in turn helps your body support and improve the appearance of collagen-deprived skin.
Our choice: IMAGE Skincare's VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum €67, which teams up with green tea extract and a red rose win complex to form a super group of antioxidants.
4. Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian Gooseberry) Fruit Extract
Indian Gooseberry is a fruit rich in vitamin C and various minerals, amino acids, tannins, and flavonoids.
From anti-ageing creams and serums to sunscreens, Indian gooseberry has demonstrated its strength in protecting the skin from damage induced by free radicals.
Studies have shown that oral and topical applications of the antioxidant compounds in Indian gooseberry have shown a reduction in oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species.
Our choice: Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract features in IMAGE Skincare's VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76, for all skin types.
5. Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract
The ocean is undoubtedly home to some of the most amazing ingredients in skin care.
Among some amazing ingredients is sea fennel, which gets its antioxidant power punch from having a high concentration of antioxidant compounds including vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
Our choice: IMAGE Skincare's ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50, the perfect everyday serum for all skin types.
This amazing serum has one goal: bring your skin to a state of optimal balance so that you’ll have that naturally healthy glow.
Dermatologists recommend the daily use of sunscreen and an antioxidant serum or cream (or a sunscreen with antioxidants), so make sure to take your summer skincare routine seriously.
Your skin is one of your body's organs, and it needs constant care and protection.
