how antioxidants protect skin and keep skin healthy - Garnier SkinActive how antioxidants protect skin and keep skin healthy - Garnier SkinActive

The benefits of antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that can greatly benefit your skin, whether you ingest them with food or apply them in your skincare. They help to stop or reduce the effects of free radicals, which can lead to weakened collagen, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. For truly glowing skin, incorporate antioxidants into your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at different antioxidants and how you can best add them into your routine.


Antioxidants in Food

An antioxidant-rich diet is often called a “skin-brightening” diet because of the positive effects antioxidants can have on skin. Stick to the ingredients we mention below and, combined with the right skin care routine, you’ll find skin that glows from the inside out.


  • Vitamin A - found in liver, butter, eggs and milk
  • Lycopene - found in red and pink vegetables and fruits, such as watermelon, strawberries and tomatoes
  • Vitamin C - found in fruits and vegetables, with the highest amounts in papayas, strawberries, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale
  • Lutein - found in green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, spinach, collards, kale, broccoli, corn and peas
  • Vitamin E - found in almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, hazelnuts, green leafy vegetables, soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil and sunflower oil
  • Beta-carotene - found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, apricots, peas and papayas

Antioxidants and the Skin

Regular exposure to the sun and pollutants dramatically increases the rate of skin oxidation and the amounts of free radicals. Because free radicals can also cause damage to the skin at the cellular level, skin tone can become uneven-looking. Oxidation and free radicals also cause damage to the skin's cellular renewal cycles and weaken its structural integrity. The attack by free-radicals can lead to sagging skin, wrinkles and overall skin aging. Sunscreens with high SPF, aka sun protection factors, can help reduce the risk of sun damage. Preventing damage through the protection of antioxidants is a great way to promote healthy skin. Vitamin C and E protect the skin by speeding up the skin’s own natural repair system and inhibiting further damage. Vitamin E also helps skin retain its natural moisture, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, giving the skin a plump, natural glow.


Antioxidant Skin Care Routine

Using skin products that contain antioxidants are a good way to boost the antioxidant power needed to maintain healthy skin at any age. For maximum benefit, use moisturizers with antioxidants and sun protection twice a day. We recommend Garnier The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer SPF 30 for use in the mornings. The antioxidant complex of goji berry and pomegranate works to brighten and nourish skin while SPF 30 works to protect skin from sun damage. At bedtime, skip the SPF but keep long-lasting hydration with Garnier The Antioxidant Super Moisturizer. If you have dark spots or an uneven complexion, look for a Vitamin C-filled Dark Spot Corrector to help fix skin damage. Between your antioxidant-filled skin care routine and a healthy, skin brightening diet, get ready for glowing skin.