What are the benefits of using topical antioxidants ?
Antioxidants work by eliminating free radicals and interrupting skin inflammation. Antioxidants bind electrons to electron starved free radials. Therefore, stopping free radicals from causing damage to the cells. Long term use is the key to beneficial results. Green tea, licorice extract, and grapeseed extract are examples of redness- quenching antioxidants. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Grapeseed extract, green tea extract, and coenzyme Q-10 are all examples of popular antioxidants. Because of the many types of free radicals that can be formed in the cascade of reactions, more than one type of antioxidant is needed to to squelch these reactions. Different antioxidants work in different ways on different free radials. Therefore, a mix of antioxidants is the best bet in helping aging skin.
Antioxidants are reactive and must be carefully formulated so that they do not oxidize. Once an antioxidant oxidizes it is no longer effective. One sign of an oxidizing product is that it begins to turn dark and eventually turns brown in the bottle. Antioxidants should be stored in a cool place and not be exposed to constant light. Serums are a popular of antioxidants as they can be layered under another product.