Are you aware of what antioxidants actually are and how they can benefit your skin? There are these unstable molecules, free radicals, which bond to organic substances to create a destructive chemical bond. These destructive bonds can be the leading factor of your sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and even skin cancer. For example, when an avocado is left out in the open it starts to brown. When you add lemon to an avocado it does not brown, which is similar to how antioxidants work with free radicals.
There are many different forms of antioxidants that help neutralize the free radicals to slow the destruction of healthy cells. Vitamin C and E assist in collagen production as well as preventing pigmentation caused from sun exposure. Another extremely important antioxidant is retinol. Many people think of retinol as peeling, red or irritating their skin. But that is not the case when used correctly; it actually reduces breakouts, brown spots, red pigmentation from scarring, as well as skin cell turnover. One other product that contains antioxidants that not most people know of is yeast extract. Yeast extract also contains minerals, amino acids, and vitamins which are all things that your skin needs. Recently, Yahoo Beauty published an article stating that yeast is “super hydrating, anti-aging, collagen-producing, and brightening” (Romeyn, Yeast: The Surprisingly Beneficial New Skin Care Ingredient, Yahoo Beauty). These antioxidants can be found in serums, moisturizers, etc. Make sure to add in your antioxidants with your daily regimen.