Antioxidant Science
Skin protection from the inside + outside correction
Properly formulated topical antioxidants have been shown to provide protection from skin-damaging free radicals. Additionally some have a corrective action to help improve fine lines and wrinkles and reduce discoloration 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 neutralize 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. 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 defense 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.
Representing four generations of antioxidant technology that have been proven to increase environmental protection with each advance SkinCeuticals offers nine formulations for the face and eye area.
The SkinCeuticals Difference
A topical vitamin C antioxidant must be properly fomulated to be effective. This is dependent on three factors: The form of vitamin C used, the concentration, and the pH of the solution.
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.
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 neutralize free radicals caused by solar radiation and other environmental factors for inside protection and outside correction.