Antioxidant vs. Skincare
With the amounts of exposure our skin gets to everything around us, antioxidants have become a vital part of any effective routine. Antioxidants can shield the skin from damage by limiting free radical production and harm from the sun. Not only do they protect the skin, they can also fight signs of aging and calm any skin irritations. Overall, antioxidants are defenders against all types of dangers to the skin.
Common Sources of Antioxidants
The following antioxidants are the most common amongst skincare products. We have outlined where they are derived from:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A can either come in the form of retinoids (from animal sources and includes retinol) or carotenoids (from plants and includes beta-carotene
Great for anti-aging and improving skin tone
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often found in skincare as ascorbic acid/L-ascorbic acid
A favorite for boosting collagen and fading dark spots, can also fight against sun damage
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant found in moisturizers, creams and lotions (especially for dry skin)
A must have for aiding the skin’s healing process, adding hydration, and stabilizing other antioxidants
Vitamin B3
Commonly referred to as niacinamide, Vitamin B3 helps improve the skin’s texture and tone
By reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and any hyperpigmentation, Vitamin B3 can calm and soothe the skin while strengthening the skin’s barrier
Green Tea
Covered in detail within this article, green tea or EGCG has multiple benefits for the skin such as anti-inflammatory properties, hydration, and protection
Resveratrol (red grapes or red wine)
Derived from red grapes or wine, resveratrol is sometimes known as the “longevity molecule” due to its anti-aging properties
With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal features, resveratrol can fight aging and skin-irritations
What is EGCG?:
Just like how a warm cup of green tea can soothe the mind and body, the benefits of using green tea in skincare are abundant as well and can provide benefits from the inside out. While EGCG might not mean anything to you upon first glance, chances are you might already be applying it to your skin. Short for epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG is the most potent extract and active ingredient found within green tea. It can be used in a variety of products and mixtures as it works well with other ingredients. An increasingly used ingredient in the skincare industry, EGCG provides antioxidants, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it popular amongst product formulators. The polyphenols found in green tea can also help with sun-damage.
Tracing the Benefits of Green Tea:
A botanical derived from the leaves and buds of camellia sinensis, a tea plant, the advantages of green tea don’t just stop at antioxidants and soothing properties. The caffeine and tannins in green tea also reduce the size of blood vessels and puffiness. Both protective and remedial, green tea can provide the following wonders to your skin:
Shielding: We mention the antioxidants properties of EGCG above, but EGCG can truly act as a shield for the skin. Protecting the skin against free radicals caused by environmental stressors, EGCG tackles both UV radiation and pollution.
Anti-aging & healing: By reducing and preventing signs of sun damage, EGCG defends the skin against roughness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation while also promoting skin elasticity. EGCG can also help with skin scarring and may also be able to shrink keloid scars by over 40%.
Soothing: The anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG can keep puffiness at bay and is a hero ingredient for those that suffer from eczema, dandruff, or psoriasis. EGCG can also minimize excess sebum, making it a great option for acne-fighting skincare. EGCG has also been proven to aid the skin in moisture and hydration retention.
Adding EGCG To Your Routine:
Not only is green tea great for daily consumption, it can also be safely used on the skin on a daily basis. Suitable for all skin types, EGCG is most effective when used with other antioxidants such as Vitamin C or C. When antioxidants are used together, the effects are enhanced and can penetrate the skin at a deeper level. Hyaluronic acid is also a popular combination option for EGCG.
Some of the most popular types or products that include EGCG are cleansers, serums, moisturizers/eye creams, and face masks.
Reference/Research Articles:
https://www.dermstore.com/blog/antioxidants-in-skin-care/#:~:text=Antioxidants%20help%20skin%20repair%20itself,youthful%20skin%2C%E2%80%9D%20adds%20Dr.
https://www.wellandgood.com/antioxidants-for-skin-benefits/