You might often hear about antioxidants in food, like blueberries and strawberries. But antioxidants can provide many benefits for skin health, too. 

An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation. In skin care, antioxidants protect the skin from harmful free radicals, which is an unstable molecule that contributes to aging, inflammation, and irritation. These free radicals are formed when the skin is exposed to harmful triggers like sun exposure, smoke, pollution, radiation, and more. Antioxidants reverse those free radicals’ effects on the skin by stabilizing the molecule and inhibiting oxidative damage. 

Why are Antioxidants Important in Skincare? 

Aside from the chemistry lesson, what are antioxidants actually doing for your skin? Well – premature aging can look like wrinkles, fine lines, inflammation, redness, and irritation, all unsightly things for the skin. Antioxidants are key to preventing premature aging by protecting the skin from free radicals. Here are the several ways antioxidants go to work for your skin:

Protect Against UV Damage

Antioxidants can help protect skin cells from the harmful effects of UV light exposure. When UV light comes into contact with our skin (especially if the skin is not protected by an SPF product), it can alter the molecular structure of the skin cells – causing photodamage. Antioxidants help to effectively prevent UV light from harming the skin cells and can strengthen the efficacy of a sunscreen product.

Calm Inflammation

Free radicals always cause inflammation. Puffiness and inflamed skin are not comfortable and rather unsightly. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation by soothing the skin and treating oxidative stress by stabilizing the free radical molecules. If you’re struggling with a puffy face after a night of drinking, antioxidants can help do the trick to bring the complexion back into balance. 

Anti-Aging

Antioxidants are powerful anti-aging ingredients as well. They can help the skin look more youthful and vibrant by preventing the harm of photodamage, and other environmental triggers to the skin. 

The Best Antioxidants for Skin:

Vitamin C: This antioxidant is known as absorbic acid, and fights oxidative stress by correcting complexion issues like uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines, dark spots, dullness, and acne scarring. The Disco Hydrating Face Moisturizer uses Vitamin C to brighten and even skin tone while nourishing the moisture barrier. 

Niacinamide: As a form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide can resolve hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, and smooth wrinkles and fine lines. It’s a popular antioxidant in moisturizers and serums for its versatility. The Disco Mineral Sun Block uses Niacinamide to repair dermal structure after prolonged sun exposure. 

Resveratrol: This powerful antioxidant is best used in supplement form for skin health. It is an anti-inflammatory and can help promote a reduction in acne breakouts and puffiness. The Disco Fountain of Youth Skin Supplement uses Resveratrol to protect against acne, blemishes, redness, and inflammation.