Antioxidants are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals—like vitamins A, C, E, and green tea—that protect your skin against free radicals.
Free radicals are pesky little molecules in the environment that damage your skin by clinging to your collagen and weakening elasticity. They come from air pollutants, chemicals and cigarette smoke. Antioxidants neutralise those free radicals to protect your skin from damage.
Some antioxidants also brighten your skin, calm irritation, and even smooth fine lines. We've rounded up the best ones and where to find them.
Best for Soothing: Green Tea
Green tea is filled with polyphenols that not only scavenge free radicals, but also work as an anti-inflammatory to accelerate wound healing. Try Environ Vita Enriched Colostrum Gel or Elemis Superfood CICA Calm Booster Serum, a bi-phase formula loaded, antioxidant-rich formula, to help leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Best for Anti-Ageing: VITAMIN A
Vitamin A or Retinol is a miracle worker because it does so much for your skin: smooths fine lines, fills in wrinkles, improves skin texture, brightens skin, fades scars and dark marks, and drastically reduces acne. Try Dr Grandel Retinol Ampoules or Environ Retinol Concentrated Serum 1.
Best for Moisturising: VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a natural anti-inflammatory, a strong shield against free radicals and premature ageing, and keeps skin soft and supple, which is the key to preventing scar formation. Try Skin Affair Organic Illuminating Hydrating Serum with Acmella (natural botox) and Vitamin E, Dr Grandel Elements of Nature Nutralifting Moisturiser or Environ Vita-Enriched Antioxidant Gel.
Best for Brightening: VITAMIN C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is pretty much the ultimate antioxidant for perking up dull, tired-looking skin. Just like green tea, it can calm and hydrate your skin, and similar to retinol, it boosts your collagen production to tighten fine lines and improve skin texture. Try Dr Grandel Vitamin Infusion Serum with Vitamin C, Pomegranate Flower and Mango Complex or Skin Affair Organic Glow Serum with rich antioxidants to protect against free radical damage.
