Antioxidant science

Skin protection from the inside + outside correction

Properly formulated topical antioxidants have been shown to provide internal protection from skin-damaging free radicals. Additionally some have a corrective action such as collagen synthesis and reduced hyper pigmentation resulting in a comprehensive anti-aging effect.

But what are antioxidants, how do they work, and what other benefits do these active molecules have for the skin?

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation is a type of damage that occurs when molecules lose electrons. Five types of antioxidants found naturally in the body that protect against cellular damage are: glutathione, ubiquinone, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), and alpha lipoic acid. Antioxidants work by different mechanisms to stop or neutralise damage. Out of the five antioxidants found in the body only vitamins C and E have been proven to get into skin. Additionally, there are a few plant antioxidants known to work in skin.

What’s a free radical?

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, causing them to be unstable and highly chemically reactive.
These unstable molecules are generated by UV rays, infrared radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors like alcohol and cigarette smoke. Inside the skin, free radicals damage cells, their DNA, and other vital cellular components. Over time, free radical damage leads to visible signs of accelerated skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and even skin cancer.

While sunscreen is the first line of defence and essential for protecting skin’s surface from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen filters only protect skin from up to 55% of free radicals*. Topical antioxidants work in skin to neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage. Incorporating a topical antioxidant and sunscreen into a daily skincare regimen provides comprehensive protection from environmental damage.

*Haywood, R., et al, J Invest Dermatol 2006;121:862-868

Skinceuticals:

The antioxidant authority

In 1997, SkinCeuticals changed the face of skincare with the introduction of Serum 10 and Serum 15, the company’s first stabilized, pure L-ascorbic acid topical antioxidants
SkinCeuticals founding scientist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell conducted research about antioxidant formulation and discovered these factors, now known as the Duke Antioxidant patent. SkinCeuticals is the only brand to formulate antioxidants according to these standards.

The skinceuticals difference

A topical vitamin C antioxidant must penetrate skin to be effective. This is dependent on three factors: The form of vitamin C used the concentration, and the pH of the solution.
In the years since the patent, each subsequent antioxidant generation has been subjected to rigorous clinical studies—and the results are clear: SkinCeuticals topical antioxidants neutralise free radicals caused by solar radiation and other environmental factors for inside protection, while synthesising collagen production for outside correction.