Why antioxidants are the hero of your skincare routine

**With special guest, Ollie Watts, Founder of Hey Bud Skincare**

When it comes to skincare, there are a lot of buzzwords that get thrown around, often leaving us scratching our heads wondering, “what’s that all about”? One such buzzword is the term, antioxidants.

What are antioxidants?

We could go all mad scientist and use technical jargon, but we thought a real-world example would explain it best. 

Ever sliced an apple, left it out for a while and slowly watched the fruit turn brown? That’s the process of oxidisation. This process is caused by free radicals. Not to be confused with the 90s band, free radicals are unstable molecules that interact with other molecules, causing a reaction that damages healthy cells. In the context of skin, that’s definitely not a good thing.

Our bodies naturally create free radicals, but they can also come from exposure to the sun (via UV rays), pollution, smoking and other chemicals. An overload of free radicals within our system can lead to “oxidative stress”, placing strain on collagen and weakening skin elasticity.

The result? Fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, acne or blotchy skin.

This is where antioxidants come in. Their job is to combat these free radicals and bring balance - and when it comes to skin, that leads to better skin repair and a healthier complexion. Yes!

There are many types of antioxidants, such as Vitamin A, B, and C.

To make things simple, we’ve compiled a list for you to look out for:

Vitamin A - Anti-aging

You might recognise this one under as retinol (a derivative of Vitamin A) and its ability to turn back the clock on aging skin. Due to its small molecular structure, it can penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate collagen production and speed up cell renewal and repair!

Vitamin C - Brightening skin

When it comes to antioxidants, Vitamin C is the all-time hall of famer. It’s mainly known for its collagen-boosting properties (for firmer skin) and ability to perk up dull, tired-looking skin.

Vitamin B3 - Texture and tone

Also known as niacinamide, this antioxidant packs a punch and can do wonders in improving skin’s texture and tone. By reducing fine lines and wrinkles, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe breakouts and fights redness. Additionally, it’s ideal for sensitive skin.

Vitamin E - Moisturising

Vitamin E can be found in a lot of moisturisers and for good reason. This antioxidant is well known for its ability to accelerate the skin’s healing process.

Antioxidant upsides

Overall, there are a whole host of benefits antioxidants bring to the table. 

Now, keep in mind, this isn’t an exhaustive list. There are other antioxidant heroes out there including, CoQ10, Polyphenols and Flavonoids - but this should help you start your journey in spotting antioxidants within your skincare products.

Circling back to our sliced apple example, if want to minimise the effects of environmental factors having a negative impact on our complexions, make sure to look out for these hero additives in your next skincare product!

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Hey Bud exists to provide clinically proven results to skincare enthusiasts who seek natural alternatives. Promoting all-around health and well-being to help your self-care in the best way possible, whether that be finding zen or as the life of the party. Making your routine a little more fun day-to-day.

Hey Bud's Clay Mask features in our winter 'Restore' retreat. To shop with Hey Bud, visit www.heybudskincare.com and use discount code RYRESTORE for 20% off until 30/11/22.