Source credit: dermaviduals
Antioxidants are indispensable in modern skincare due to their ability to neutralise oxidative stress, restore cellular vitality, and support dermal resilience. Integrating potent antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10, and Green Tea extract into a skincare regimen provides comprehensive protection and reparative support, addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic ageing factors.
These compounds possess unique properties that contribute to optimal skin health, making daily use essential for maintaining cellular function and the structural integrity of the skin.
Vitamin A: The Catalyst of Cellular Regeneration
Vitamin A is renowned for its capacity to stimulate cellular turnover and amplify cellular renewal. Vitamin A significantly enhances collagen synthesis, bolstering dermal density and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age-related skin laxity. Additionally, by modulating sebaceous gland activity, it addresses issues of excessive sebum production, making it highly effective for managing acne. dermaviduals retinyl palmitate is biologically active in the skin, penetrates deep due to its encapsulation within a nanoparticle and provides a multitude of benefits for all skin types.
Vitamin C: The Antioxidant Luminary and Collagen Synergist
As a highly efficacious, water-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin C is integral to neutralising free radicals—those reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from environmental aggressors like ultraviolet radiation and pollution. By neutralising ROS, Vitamin C safeguards cellular components from oxidative degradation, mitigating photoaging effects such as pigmentation and lack of radiance. Crucially, Vitamin C is a cofactor for specific Hydroxylase enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, enhancing tensile strength and elasticity within the skin. In addition, its melanin-inhibiting properties further assist in reducing hyperpigmentation, rendering the skin more luminous and even-toned. For maximal efficacy, Vitamin C is best applied morning and night to synergistically boost the efficacy of sun protection and provide repair and support for environmentally damaged skin.
Vitamin E: The Lipid-Soluble Membrane Guardian
Vitamin E, particularly in its tocopherol form, is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that stabilises cell membranes and reinforces the skin’s lipid barrier. It preserves cellular integrity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, preventing oxidative damage to the skin’s natural oils and protecting it from trans-epidermal water loss. In tandem with Vitamin C, Vitamin E exhibits a compounding antioxidant effect, significantly enhancing photoprotection and fortifying the skin’s resistance to environmental stressors. This vitamin’s emollient properties also contribute to a smoother, more resilient stratum corneum, providing immediate soothing relief for compromised skin.
Coenzyme Q10: The Cellular Energiser and Collagen Protector
The Cellular Energiser and Collagen Protector Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring, lipid-soluble molecule within the mitochondria or ‘power station’ of every cell of the human body, vital for cellular bioenergetics and electron transport chain function. With age, endogenous CoQ10 levels decline, diminishing cellular reparative capacity and resulting in a reduction of ATP synthesis. Topical CoQ10 reenergises ageing cells, bolstering their regenerative potential and amplifying their resilience to environmental insults. It is also instrumental in inhibiting metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen and elastin, thus preserving structural proteins essential for firm, youthful skin. CoQ10’s rejuvenating properties make it especially beneficial for mature or fatigued skin, as it enhances support and repair at a cellular level.
Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse
Green tea is rich in polyphenolic compounds, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which exerts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. EGCG mitigates ROS-induced cellular damage, combats oxidative stress, and inhibits inflammatory pathways, making it highly effective for skin prone to irritation, erythema, or acne. Green tea extract also demonstrates antibacterial properties that can counteract acne-causing bacteria, while its collagen-preserving action slows down extracellular matrix degradation. This multi-functional antioxidant is, therefore, invaluable in preventing collagen breakdown and preserving dermal elasticity.
The Daily Importance of Antioxidants
The daily incorporation of these antioxidants is paramount for sustaining skin health and function, along with mitigating cellular degradation. Each antioxidant, with its distinct mechanism of action, provides a multifaceted approach to environmental defence and cellular repair. Regular use bolsters skin resilience, enhances the synthesis of structural proteins and maintains an optimal moisture barrier.
Speak to Dimi to learn more about the antioxidants we work with and how you can incorporate them into your skin treatment journey.
