There is nothing wrong with being a skincare fanatic but sometimes even the best ones can go wrong when it comes to ingredients and formulations. As much as we love the skincare world for its array of products, we also sometimes hate the fact that how complex these formulations and products can turn out to be. While most of the time, we are cautious about picking products according to our skin, it is also essential to take our age into consideration, especially when it comes to antioxidants. They are like the superheroes of the skincare world. From dealing with premature aging to hyperpigmentation and more, antioxidants help in them all. We've always got endless questions on how to use them according to our age. And with that in mind, we spoke to dermatologists, Dr Simal Soin and Dr Ankur Sarin to get all our questions answered.
What Exactly Are Antioxidants And How Do They Work
There are endless formulations or products that can create havoc on your skin. The skincare world is a mix of good and bad and your skin type decides what is the best for you. When it comes to antioxidants, they are true superheroes that help you in dealing with multiple things, including free radical damage.
"Antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species produced due to the body's natural metabolism, pollution and stress. Antioxidants in skincare products are formulated to penetrate the skin and reduce oxidative damage to the cells locally," tells us Dr Ankur Sarin. He further suggests using them in the morning post cleansing your face as it will help to reverse sun damage.
Seconding the notion, Dr Simal Soin adds, "Antioxidants are substances that help protect the skin's surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV radiations and pollution, thereby having both a protective and anti-ageing effect."
Antioxidant Skincare According To Your Age
Age can play a major factor in your skincare routine and antioxidants are an essential component of healthy skin. Free radicals can cause a breakdown in our collagen and elastin, and this is when antioxidants act like an insurance for our skin. We decode with experts on how and which ones to use according to age.
Post Twenties
"Vitamin C helps in combating free radical damage and repairing oxidized vitamin E bound to the cell membrane; thereby maintaining the brightness on the face and delaying aging. It should be included in the skin care routine of all individuals above 20 years of age," tells us expert Dr Simal Soni.
Mid Thirties
She further elaborates, "Vitamin E and lycopene prevent lipid peroxidation along with neutralization of singlet oxygen in the cell membrane; they are commonly used oral antioxidants and should be taken in the mid-thirties to delay endogenous and exogenous ageing."
Post 45 Years Of Age
"Epigallocatechin gallate or green tea is a flavonoid that has a broad scavenging action of free radicals in addition to protecting endogenous antioxidative systems. Coenzyme Q10 along with its green tea like action, regenerates vitamin E and reduces keratinocyte DNA damage and UV induced skin damage. Thus, the above two antioxidants should be used by individuals either in topical or oral form, post 45 years of age so as to maintain healthy and glowing skin," adds Dr Simal Soin.
Why To Include Antioxidants In Your Skincare
When it comes to choosing the right one, there is a diverse range of antioxidants to choose from. It is about time we understand why antioxidants are so important for your skin. If you're looking to protect against free radical damage, any antioxidant may get the job done right. However, it is essential to choose them according to your skin, to make it work even better.
Dr Sarin explains, " Antioxidants help reduce oxidative damage which is the main reason for cell and DNA damage. We can reverse this by using antioxidants."
"Usually there is a balance of antioxidants and free radicals in the body but when the free radicals exceed the antioxidants is when oxidative stress sets in. Oxidative stress is what makes the body more prone to disease states in the body including cancer," tells us Dr Soin.
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She further elaborates, "Antioxidants such as vitamin C, reduce dopaquinone (DOPA), and prevent the formation of free radicals, resulting in improvement of UV induced melanogenesis in melasma. Skin friendly antioxidants are vitamin C, Niacinamide (B3), vitamin E, Vitamin A, green tea polyphenols, resveratrol, curcumin, hyaluronic acid are important ones in use. However, it is important to use them under medical supervision to get the most effective results from them."
