Part 2 Continued, Protect & Nourish: The Power of Sun Protection and Antioxidants

Antioxidants in Skincare: Your Skin’s Secret Weapon

In the world of skincare, antioxidants are like the unsung heroes—powerful, protective, and essential for maintaining a youthful, radiant complexion. They neutralize free radicals, combat environmental damage, and even help with skin repair. But not all antioxidants are created equal. Let’s explore what they do and why they deserve a place in your daily routine.

What Are Antioxidants & Why Do You Need Them?

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals—unstable molecules caused by UV rays, pollution, and even stress. Left unchecked, free radicals accelerate skin aging, leading to:

⚡ Fine lines & wrinkles
🌞 Hyperpigmentation & sun damage
😖 Inflammation & sensitivity
🧬 Breakdown of collagen & elastin

Adding antioxidants to your skincare routine helps defend, repair, and rejuvenate your skin, keeping it healthy and resilient.

Top Antioxidants for Skin Health

1. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid & Its Derivatives)

✨ Brightens skin & fades hyperpigmentation
🛡 Boosts collagen production
🔬 Neutralizes environmental stressors

Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that helps even out skin tone while stimulating collagen for firmer, more youthful skin. L-Ascorbic Acid is the most common form but does have its drawbacks. It’s unstable, prone to oxidation and loses efficacy when exposed to light, heat and air. Additionally, some people are sensitive to topical ascorbic acid and can have skin reactions. Look for stabilized forms like ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate for better absorption and less irritation.

2. Vitamin A (Non-Retinol Forms: Beta-Carotene, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Propionate, Retinyl Acetate)

✨ Supports skin renewal & cell turnover
🛡 Strengthens the skin barrier
💧 Improves hydration & elasticity

Unlike stronger retinoids, these gentler forms of Vitamin A provide all the benefits without the irritation. Added bonus: They don’t cause photosensitivity but actually have photoprotective properties, making them ideally used both morning and evening. We love Environ products because they focus on these stabilized forms, making them ideal for sensitive or first-time users looking to strengthen and protect their skin barrier.

3. Vitamin E (Tocopherol & Tocotrienols)

💧 Deeply hydrates & soothes inflammation
🔬 Enhances other antioxidants (especially Vitamin C!)
🛡 Repairs skin & boosts healing

Vitamin E is known for its ability to calm and repair the skin while working synergistically with Vitamin C for even greater antioxidant protection.

4. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

🌟 Reduces redness & inflammation
🛡 Strengthens the skin’s barrier
⚖️ Balances oil production & minimizes pores

Niacinamide is a multitasking antioxidant that brightens, hydrates, and soothes, making it a go-to for all skin types—including acne-prone and sensitive skin.

How to Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Routine

At Bene we are BIG believers that antioxidants should be used during your morning and evening routines so that you’re constantly replenishing these essential nutrients in your skin. Plus, depending on when you’re applying them you’ll be getting different benefits from them. Here’s how to maximize their benefits in your routine:

🌞 Mornings: Pair antioxidants Vitamins A & Cwith sunscreen to neutralize free radicals and enhance UV protection.
🌙 Evenings: Vitamins A & C assist while skin is in repair mode aiding in collagen & elastin production and more.
💧 Anytime: Niacinamide and Vitamin E work well both day and night for hydration and barrier support.

Bene Skin & Laser Favorites

At Bene Skin & Laser, we love high-quality, medical-grade antioxidants that deliver real results. Some of our top picks include:

🧡 Environ Skin EssentiA AVST Moisturiser Step-up System – A range of products that include 5 Vita-Antioxidant Moisturisers to gradually introduce skin to increasing levels of Vitamin A through Environ’s Vitamin A Skincare STEP-UP SYSTEM™, until optimal levels are attained. Includes a combination of vitamins (A,C,E & B5) making this product range a true multi-tasker! Shop the Environ Skin EssentiA AVST Range here.

Pro Tip: These “moisturisers” are very lightweight and I prescribe these to be used as a serum for most clients in my practice.

💙 Environ Youth EssentiA C-Quence Serum Step-up System – A range of products that include 5 C-Quence Serums to gradually introduce skin to increasing levels of Vitamin A through Environ’s Vitamin A Skincare STEP-UP SYSTEM™, until optimal levels are attained. Includes a combination of vitamins (A,C,E & B5) making this product range a true multi-tasker! Shop the Environ Youth EssentiA C-Quence Range here.

💜 Epionce Intense Defense Serum – A botanical-based serum considered to be a multi-vitamin for your skin. Includes a combination of vitamins A, B, C, D & E derived from African Palm Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil and Shitake Mushroom Extract. Shop for Intense Defense Serum.

Final Thoughts

Adding antioxidants to your skincare routine is one of the best ways to fight aging, protect your skin, and boost your glow.

➡️ Up next: Hydrated Skin for a Youthful Glow: Hyaluronic Acid & Hydrating Mists! Stay tuned…