Antioxidant Science Explained

If you've ever visited our Spa, then you know we have a borderline crazy obsession with antioxidant serums. That's because, (Spoiler Alert!) they give you crazy good results!
One of the most popular lines we carry at Surface Esthetics is SkinCeuticals, due to their amazing antioxidant products. With a product range including everything from gentle cleansers and sunscreens, to retinols and corrective creams. It is a line that has it all, and best of all it's all backed by science!

What is an antioxidant and why do I need it?
Most of us are aware of the health benefits associated with eating foods rich in antioxidants. What most people do not realize is that antioxidants can be used topically on your skin as well! Using antioxidants in this way has been proven to help tremendously in reducing damaging free radicals caused by UV rays, infrared radiation, and pollution (Uh, hello San Diego!). Free radicals are small, unstable molecules created in an oxygen environment.  When free radicals are generated, oxidation occurs. Photo damage and accelerated skin aging are the result of oxidation. SkinCeuticals antioxidants neutralize these unstable molecules before they can damage your skin cells.

C E Ferulic: Combination antioxidant treatment containing 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid. This powerful antioxidant serum is going to work perfectly for dry, mature skin. The cocktail of antioxidants is going to help protect against damaging UV rays to help prevent signs of aging. (AKA it makes your sunscreen work even BETTER!)

• 15% L-ascorbic acid: Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects skin’s breakdown from oxidative stress.

• 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E): Neutralizes free radicals and replenishes skin’s lipids.

• 0.5% ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, helps inhibit UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Phloretin CF: Broad-range antioxidant treatment combining 2% phloretin, 10% L-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid. Phloretin is going to help fight against reactive molecules (including free radicals) that are known to cause cellular damage. While providing you with all the benefits from a topical antioxidant serum this guy packs a 1-2 punch! Diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, it helps increase cell turnover to smooth your skins texture. Phloretin is going to work wonders on oily, acne skin. 

• 2% phloretin: Neutralizes free radicals, accelerates cell turnover, and reduces the production of unwanted pigment. 
• 10% L-ascorbic acid: Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects skin’s breakdown from oxidative stress.
• 0.5% ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, helps inhibits UV-induced skin discolorations, and has anti-inflammatory properties.