With so many antioxidants available, it’s hardly possible to detect the optimal one. Experts created profile systems to evaluate antioxidants. Disputes among dermatology specialists have been becoming more and more bitter for many years. However, any skin type can benefit from this type of substance. It enables to eliminate cell-destroying free radicals that are formed because of the impact of UV rays and daily exposure to environmental factors (think of pollution).

Nevertheless, selected antioxidants are better tailored for specific skin types and skin problems than others. Below, we’ll look at five antioxidants that are the true superheroes in the world of skincare because of their extensive range of powerful features and merits. Plus, we’ll have a look at the skin types that benefit the most from these substances.

It belongs to the category of the most efficient and affordable antioxidants that contribute to neutralizing oxidative stress. This issue leads to uneven skin tone, sun damage to the skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dullness and rough texture. Ascorbic acid is a powerful variation of vitamin C. Feel free to combine it with other antioxidant varieties for extra advantages. Although most skin types tend to tolerate this component well, it might provoke irritation or redness among people with sensitive skin. Stick to a minimum concentration when making your first steps with it.

All skin types usually tolerate resveratrol, which is an antioxidant most commonly derived from red grapes. It’s renowned to be a powerful skincare component that aims to prevent aging. Research has proven its beneficial effect on acne-prone skin, based on its ability to destroy bacteria. Curiously enough, Cleopatra resorted to wine to enhance her complexion. Perhaps, even then, she was a skincare expert?

If you suffer from inflammation or have sensitive skin, focus on care products with this component. It’s a soothing antioxidant that enhances skin texture and tone. It can drive down inflammation as well. It’s instrumental in calming acne relapses and combatting redness. Combined with zinc, niacinamide helps to open the pores and drives down excess sebum, which makes it an excellent solution for oily skin.

In 2017, a team of dermatology experts reviewed in more detail ten research papers that scrutinized the efficacy of niacinamide in the treatment of acne. Their results saw light in the Dermatology Therapy journal. Six out of eight research cases involving topical nicotinamide allowed the paricipants to get rid of most of their acne. Both research cases that considered an oral supplement containing nicotinamide also reported a considerable reduction in acne compared to baseline. No serious adverse side effects were detected.

For dry skin, dermatologists recommend including vitamin E in your skincare routine. This component is superb for dry skin because it boosts its moisture level. Vitamin E has also been proven to be an antioxidant with an anti-inflammatory impact that helps the skin restore itself after being affected by ultraviolet light. This ingredient is present in canola, almond and peanut oil. If your organism requires more of it, consider including it to your skincare routine.

The Holy Grail, retinol, is the top antioxidant for individuals with normal skin who prefer to concentrate on combatting wrinkles. It is best to gradually include retinol, as it produces a strong effect. But at the same time, it perfectly smoothes the skin. If yours is dry and would like to benefit from retinol, consider the “sandwich technique”. It suggests you should apply a moisturizer (or serum that produces such an effect), then retinol, and an extra layer of moisturizer on top. An alternative approach is “buffering”. It suggests you should mix retinol with a moisturizer to thin the former — and at the next stage, apply both together.

If your skin is sensitive but you’d also love to benefit from products with this component, begin with the minimum concentration (0.25%). Consider buying this substance in capsules — it enables the skin to absorb the key ingredient more slowly. This will help drive down the probability of irritation. These tips are also suitable for beginners in using retinol.