Including an antioxidant-rich product in your skin care regime can be the deciding factor between smooth, healthy skin and wrinkles. Most antioxidants are all natural, like Green Tea and Vitamin C, and are not only an essential part of our diet as we get older, but are also a necessity if we want to age gracefully on the outside as well.
So what do antioxidants do? At their most basic, they are our skin’s protectors from environmental and UV damage. As critical components of any anti-ageing skin care regime, they ward off nasty free radical activity, which can cause wrinkles and age spots.
This free radical damage is greatly increased by sunlight, smoking and poor eating habits. On top of this, our body’s natural antioxidants decrease as we get older, making it even more important to apply them topically if we want the best skin possible.
Here is our pick of the most antioxidant-rich products on the market. But if you really want to protect your skin, don’t forget the sunscreen!
DermaQuest Skin Therapy Skin Vitalight
This hydrating lotion busts through pigmentation, evening out skin discolouration with a mixture of melanin-blocking peptides and lightening herbal extracts. The antioxidant Sodium Hyaluronate hydrates and plumps, for a fresh, healthy look while other potent antioxidants protect the skin so pigmentation doesn’t reoccur. Suitable for those with visible pigmentation and sun damage.
RRP $70. Available at selected beauty clinics nationally.
DermaQuest Skin Therapy’s Educational Advisor, Colleen Shimamoto, talked to Rescu. about the importance of antioxidants.
The most common antioxidants used in skin care are vitamins A, C and E, but there are other common antioxidants such as green tea extract and co-enzyme q10.
Antioxidants used in skin care help to prevent damage to the skin cells and oxidation. Think of cutting an apple in half and letting it sit out in the open… We all know that the apple will turn brown; that is oxidation and damage to the apple cells. If you apply lemon juice, which is loaded with Vitamin C, this will help prevent the apple from turning brown.
Antioxidants are essential to all healthy skin care regimes because antioxidants help prevent and correct fine lines and brown spots. Antioxidants like Vitamin C are essential for the synthesis of collagen, what keeps skin plump.
Scout Cosmetics Six Oils of Rejuvenation
Apply this antioxidant rich oil nightly and you will wake up with hydrated and healthy skin each morning. Vitamin’s C and E help to increase the skin’s natural defences, working with fellow antioxidant Vitamin A to rejuvenate dry and damaged skin while you sleep. Suitable for all skin types, including dry skin.
RRP $49.95. Available at www.scoutcosmetics.com
A’Kin Eye Day Gel
Wake your eyes up each morning with this ingredient rich, vegan eye gel and watch as your bags are tightened and you dark circles brightened. Antioxidants include Vitamin C, to fight skin damage and White Tea, for soothing the skin. Suitable for all skin types.
RRP $39.95. Available from David Jones, Priceline and other pharmacies.
CosMedix Affirm Anti-Oxidant Firming Serum
Reduce the signs of sun exposure and environmental damage with this powerful anti-ageing serum. An impressive number of 10 antioxidants, such as Green Tea for repairing sun damage while preventing premature ageing and Spin Trap, to regenerate your skin, all work together to leave your skin youthful and glowing once more. Suitable for skin with sun damage and skin laxity, as well as dehydrated and aged skin.
RRP $154. Call 1800 648 851 for stocklists.
Subtle Energies Wild Kashmir Moisturising Emulsion
The powerful herb of Wild Tumeric is blended with rare Kashmir Lavender to create this lightweight and extremely moisturising emulsion. These ingredients balance and hydrate the complexion, while Indian essential oils leave a beautiful scent on the skin. Suitable for oily and combination skin types.
RRP $62.70. Available from www.adorebeauty.com.au or www.subtleenergies.com.au.
Eminence Green Tea & Guava Fortifying Serum
Taking the fantastic anti-ageing and healing properties of popular antioxidant, Green Tea, this serum is a sure fire way to firm your skin. Eminence ingredients are all-natural, so your skin will soak up plenty of vitamins and antioxidants for repair and replenishment. Suitable for older skin types.
RRP $69. Call 1800 142 182 for stocklists.
Ultraceuticals Ultra C Sheer Facial Cream 20%
The ultimate repairing antioxidant, Vitamin C, is the hero of this fabulous cream. Not only does it stimulate collagen production, but also fights free radical damage and helps restore a natural radiance to the skin. Suitable for normal to oily skin types.
RRP $130. Available from selected beauty salons and David Jones stores.
Priori CoffeeBerry Tightening Serum
Containing one of the most potent natural antioxidant ingredients, Coffeeberry, this lightweight serum will ensure you notice a visible reduction in fine lines and works even better to reduce pigmentation. Extracted from coffee fruit, you can literally wake up your skin with this tightener, which even smells like coffee too! Suitable for all skin types.
RRP $160. Call 1800 808 993 for stocklists.
Trilogy Sensitive Skin Very Gentle Moisturising Cream
This gentle moisturiser from Trilogy means the sensitive and easily irritated complexions out there don’t have to miss out on the benefits of antioxidants. Calendula and calming extracts of chamomile soothe and hydrate while plant derived Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant Green Tea fight free radical damage and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for sensitive skin
RRP $37.95. Available from Myer, Priceline, selected pharmacies and health food stores.
Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask
A potent mix of antioxidants, including Coffee, Green Tea, Pomegranate and Acai Berry, are packed into this rich exfoliating mask. It has a calming effect of the skin, as well as ensuring it is protected and well moisturised. Suitable for normal, dry or scaly skins or to address mild hyperpigmentation.
RRP $44. Call 1800 648 851 for stocklists.
