January 2023 – By now we are aware of the many damaging effects the environment and climate can have on our skin. As skin is our largest organ, it is directly affected by free radicals, which refer to molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to radiation, tobacco smoke, and similar dangers. Over time, this damage can worsen if not treated early on. Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare has been proven to help protect skin by reducing inflammation and increasing the skin’s natural rejuvenation process.

Effects of environmental stressors

Kevin Khosa, Customer Service Manager and Skin Expert at SKIN functional revealed that antioxidants are substances that help protect the skin’s surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution. Essentially, these stressors from the exposome produce electrons which are powerful molecules that when unpaired cause damage to our cell’s DNA leading to signs of ageing, inflammation, barrier impairment and uneven skin tone. Anti-oxidants mop up these free radicals by donating electrons thereby stabilising the molecules preventing their damaging effects to the DNA.

The role of anti-oxidants in skincare

Dr Lauren Knight, a board certified Dermatologist said: Topical antioxidants have been shown to have a host of benefits for the skin. The main benefits been shown in skincare include:

  • Protection against UV damage: We know that the sun is the main culprit in ageing of the skin in what we call photo ageing. This ageing occurs by the sun damaging DNA of the cells which ultimately limits the number of times a cell can repair itself which leads to ageing. Antioxidants may help give a protective effect against UV damage when combined with sunscreen.
  • Calm inflammation: Free radicals by their very nature create inflammation. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and may have a soothing effect on the skin. This is typically seen with Niacinamide for example.
  • Slow premature aging: Topical antioxidants can make the skin look more youthful by improving skin tone and texture, evening out pigmentation as well as increasing collagen synthesis. Additionally they protect against extrinsic aging (for instance, premature aging caused by external factors like chronic sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and more).

What are your anti-oxidants?

Vitamin C & E, resveratrol, Niacinamide and co-enzyme Q10.

New to oxidative care at SKIN functional

Launching this month is the new 12% Ascorbic Acid + Briteodant Complex serum. This is a patented formulation that ensures a perfectly stable delivery of Ascorbic Acid which is the most powerful form of vitamin C. We don’t ingest sufficient quantities of Ascorbic Acid so it is imperative to apply it topically. The Briteodant Complex™ is a powerful complex that brightens and evens the skin complexion for a more even skin tone.
Added benefits include: Increased collagen production.

30ml dropper bottle for R270,00 available on www.us.skinfunctional.com

Another valuable addition to SKIN functional’s comprehensive Anti-Oxidant product offering is the Q10 + Peptides serum. This product provides a perfectly balanced treatment that repairs, rebuilds and protects your skin. It is formulated with natural, yet powerful Co-Enzyme Q10 which protects against skin damage while regenerating the skin and reducing the effects of photo-ageing. Peptides increase collagen production decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.

30ml airless bottle for R295,00 available on www.us.skinfunctional.com