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Sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin from damage, but for even better protection, antioxidants can help. At Cope Cosmetic Dermatology, we can help you find ways to protect your skin from environmental damage so you can enjoy healthy, radiant skin for the long term.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are produced by your body – and they’re an important part of your diet. They naturally occur in fresh fruits and vegetables and are responsible for protecting your body’s cells from damage. In skincare, antioxidants provide the same benefits except they protect against free radical damage.
Free radicals are molecules that are unstable due to missing an electron. They’re produced through normal body functions but also when you’re exposed to environmental dangers like cigarette smoke, UV rays, radiation, pollution, and more. From there, free radicals travel throughout the body and damage healthy cells by taking electrons. It’s believed that this process is responsible for premature aging and inflammation throughout the skin and body.
The purpose of antioxidants is to help protect against free radicals by donating electrons to deactivate them. This process stabilizes the free radicals and protects against damage to healthy cells.
There are a variety of well-known antioxidants used in skincare products. They can include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Retinol
- Niacinamide
- Resveratrol
- Curcumin
- Ferulic Acid
- Coenzyme Q10
What Are the Benefits of Antioxidants?
Antioxidants in any form have a variety of benefits. In fact, many bodies of research show that eating an antioxidant-rich diet can stave off aging and help you live longer. However, more study is needed to confirm the exact benefits of using antioxidants in skincare. It’s believed that skincare antioxidants have three main benefits:
- Protection against UV rays: Antioxidants may provide additional protection against the effects of UV damage when used with daily sunscreen.
- Calming inflammation: Antioxidants may have a calming effect on the skin by reducing inflammation caused by free radicals.
- Slowing premature aging: Antioxidants may achieve a younger look to the skin by protecting against environmental damage that causes aging signs.
How Should I Use Antioxidants?
There are a variety of antioxidant products available on the market, typically in the form of serums or oils. Generally, antioxidants are best used in the morning so they can protect your skin throughout the day from environmental damage. If you’re unsure which type of antioxidant is best for your needs, a board-certified dermatologist can help.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Ready to feel more like yourself again? Dr. Cope combines expert care with a relaxed, personal approach to help you age gracefully and regain your confidence. Let’s create a personalized plan just for you. Reach out through our online form or give us a call.
385-273-1007 SCHEDULE
DR. AUSTIN COPE, MD, MBA
Born and raised in Utah, Dr. Austin Cope is a highly trained and passionate cosmetic dermatologist dedicated to helping you age gracefully. At Cope Cosmetic Dermatology, our team is here to ensure that you not only look your best but also feel confident and empowered in your own skin.
