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Skin
Antioxidants For Spring
Can actually be groundbreaking. We are in the perfect season to add one of the multi-talented ingredients to your routines.
Text Valerie Dayan
Antioxidants are the best friends of your skin (and body), no matter the season. These smart ingredients can help neutralize the effects of outside aggressors like pollution, stress, and harmful sun rays that can damage the skin and tissue cells. However, when springtime blooms and the sunshine becomes abundant, using an antioxidant in your routine becomes even more crucial, and the results become even more visible. Although vitamin C is the most prevalent antioxidant of all time, there are others you might not have realized with similar damage-reversing and protective powers. Bakuchiol, calendula, chaga, EGCG, ferulic acid, hemp seed oil, ginseng, green tea, glutathione, niacinamide, nigella sativa seed oil, lupine, propolis, rice water, polyphenols, and tocopherol are also efficient sources of antioxidant. They’ll protect your skin, and the results will come in the form of a healthy, glowy complexion with minimized sun damage and, thus, fewer fine lines. In my own regimen, I love to mix antioxidants with hydrating and moisturizing agents and, of course, a potent SPF. I’ve picked nine skincare products with supercharged antioxidants to change your skincare game this spring.
Vichy Liftactiv Specialist B3 Serum, $45
If you’re looking for a serum that will protect while reducing the look of dark spots, this is an effective alternative with all the right ingredients. The formulation has niacinamide, a gentle form of vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and glycolic acid for an even skin tone.
Biologique Recherche Fluide VIP O2, $282
This lightweight serum is for reviving the dull, big-city complexion. Headliners niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, silk, and allantoin help oxygenate, hydrate, moisturize, and soothe distressed skin. I also love using it as a makeup base.
By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis %15 Ampoule, £29.90
The almighty antioxidant propolis is a generous gift from the bees. This skilled K-Beauty serum helps protect the skin from outside aggressors, relieves redness, and locks in moisture while balancing sebum levels.
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides, £49
They call bakuchiol a retinol alternative, but I believe it’s a natural age-defying powerhouse of its own. This oil-based serum combines bakuchiol, peptides, and centella asiatica to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and calm and brighten the skin.
Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate, $55
This serum gets its name from an ingredient that’s a lesser-known yet effective antioxidant derived from hemp seed oil. The cannabis sativa seed oil work alongside tocopherol and sunflower seed oil to relieve, protect, and moisturize the skin. This soothing oil-based serum is non-comedogenic; however, ensure you’re not sensitive to rose, geranium, oregano, and peppermint essential oils.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA, $89 at Sephora
Meet a serum that heals, protects, and brightens — big time. The high levels of stabilized vitamin C concentration help diminish fine lines and dark spots. The formulation's hardworking yet gentle exfoliating fruit acids (AHAs) do not sensitize the skin.
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%, $10,40
Commonly found in red grapes and berries, resveratrol is a resourceful antioxidant that can reverse the harmful effects of outside aggressors. Mixed with another antioxidant agent, ferulic acid, this concentrated oily-textured serum works on all skin types.
Noble Panacea Radiant Resilience Moisturizer, $215
I’ve got curious eyes on any product Noble Panacea founder Sir Fraser Stoddart formulates. This moisturizer in their trademark sachets helps restore the skin’s self-defense mechanisms while moisturizing it with its non-greasy texture. The rich ingredients list has antioxidant goodies, including bakuchiol, red seaweed, nigella sativa seed oil, tocopherol, and malachite for its fortifying effects.
Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Serum, $31,25
This one’s dedicated to all sensitive skin types. Bioderma’s lightweight moisturizer serum, with peptides and tocopherol, strengthens the barrier while treating the skin kindly.
Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum, $220
This lightweight serum’s star ingredient is red camellia extract, which has revitalizing antioxidant properties. Other potent ingredients include lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. While helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots, the serum also brightens your complexion.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
Meet an antioxidant powerhouse, blending vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and ferulic acid to target uneven skin tone and wrinkles. With the added benefits of panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, it's like a refreshing drink for your skin, keeping it hydrated and radiant.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $35 at Sephora
Here is dewy skin in a bottle. The lightweight serum is quickly absorbed, making it your go-to on makeup-free days. Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin-rich watermelon extract, it hydrates, balances sebum, and fades dark spots. Plus, it's a versatile multitasker that doubles as a primer for all skin types.
Proud Products Co. Brightening Booster, 1.850 TL at Beymen
Here’s a product tailored to address uneven skin tone. A local favorite, Proud’s serum protects the skin against sun damage. For best results, add 10 drops to Proud Products Mask Base, mix thoroughly, and apply.
Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C, $17
I'm a huge fan of the ingenious offerings in the world of K-beauty, and one standout product is Beauty of Joseon’s serum. Powered by ascorbic acid it helps to diminish dark spots. Plus, centella asiatica and beta-glucan work to restore the skin barrier and soothe irritation.
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