Look out for "antioxidant-washing", The Anti-Aging Ingredient More Important Than Sunscreen

Skin care

The Anti-Aging Ingredient More Important Than Sunscreen

SPF is your best weapon in the fight against aging, right? Maybe not. New research shows that antioxidants in skin care may have sunscreen beat

May 24, 2012 | by Dawn Davis | 50 COMMENTS

Look out for "antioxidant-washing"

As eco beauty products grow in popularity, "green washing" has become a hot topic. Companies have been known to make a product appear natural when it's loaded with preservatives and harmful chemicals. Now, there are similar marketing lies happening with antioxidants. Ingredients like green tea and vitamin C are being added to everything from moisturizers to hair masks. That's not to say that they don't have some benefits -- for example, both green tea and vitamin C can help reduce inflammation -- but don't assume that they're going to protect you from sun damage.

When you're choosing an antioxidant to wear underneath your sunscreen, opt for five to six drops of serum, and let it absorb completely before applying your sunscreen. Baumann suggests looking for a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, and says the vitamin C and E pairing is key -- the E helps to stabilize the C and give it a longer shelf life. And the rule of thumb according to most derms is to pick a product that contains more than one antioxidant ingredient.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Other ways to get antioxidants

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products mentioned

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light...

6.0

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Energizing Body Lotion

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VEry informative article. And an interesting read. Definitely will have to start getting more antioxidants in my routine!!!

by smiley412 Friday, April 26, 2013 at 07:38AM Report as inappropriate

I loved the info in this story! In my 20's, I never paid attention to agin products or skin protection. After spending my first year in my 30's, that's my greatest concern. I've realized that products with health benefits/damage protection have greater beauty benefits!

by RaeRotondo Friday, March 22, 2013 at 06:42AM Report as inappropriate

Wonderful read. I keep seeing and hearing great things about this SkinCeuticals serum.. Maybe I'll fork over the money and give it a go?

by storrevillas Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 05:52AM Report as inappropriate

Good article very informative

by lil_show5 Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:26AM Report as inappropriate

One of the most well researched and written article on the website. Very informative. To summarize, antioxidants help PREVENT damage in the first place, but do not REMOVE damage. Great :)

by hiddenexpose Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 01:17PM Report as inappropriate

This is a great article and really found the info very helpful. Not that I am 37 I am really starting to think about this more and more and been sort of lost on all the stuff out there. Thank you

by Alana_Danes Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 03:01PM Report as inappropriate

Superb explanation of antioxidants and free radicals! Absolutely necessary.

by GigiSD Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10:34PM Report as inappropriate

amazing information!

by rayshaviolet Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 01:46PM Report as inappropriate

good info

by aishak55 Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate

Shame antioxidants don't do anything for existing wrinkles but seems like they're still a necessary part of a daily routine. I got some good updates from this article

by EricaF123 Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 04:09AM Report as inappropriate

I guess its time to pump it up, just sunscreen doesnt cut it anymore

by kimihavens Friday, November 9, 2012 at 01:49PM Report as inappropriate

This is really an informative post! I knew antioxidants were important but didn't know they could be just as important as sunscreen!

by BeautyTidbits Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11:01AM Report as inappropriate

I spoke with a korean dermatologist and from what he told me, the best way to really attain naturally glowing skin is to detoxify your body. "If you want to look good, then you need to start from the inside". Atleast, that's what he said. But I kind of agree since Koreans are really known for their glowing skin. So he said. "If you want a glowing skin like ours, then you need to drink tea which is rich in fiber. Make it a habit. Drink tea before you go to bed and before you eat breakfast". He also recommended to take herbal capsules like Kryptorganic which is high in Anti-Oxidants. This product actually helps in "cleaning" your lymph nodes, which by the way is a oval-shaped organ that filters foreign particles. The cleaner the body inside, the faster your skin would glow. Although, this won't really help if you stay under the heat of the sun for a long period of time. That's why you need sunscreen. But atleast, if you're pretty sure that you're clean inside, then there is less to worry about. what do you think?

by niixus20 Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 10:53PM Report as inappropriate

Wow !!! I never knew any of this . Thanks for the heads up Total Beauty!!

by Lillium_Stargaz Monday, October 15, 2012 at 08:58PM Report as inappropriate

Very informative! My body wash has antioxidants in it, but I doubt that does much!

by Chris213 Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 09:42AM Report as inappropriate

Scary. We should do what we can to protect our skin. Thanks for the tips.

by muellsrus Monday, September 24, 2012 at 05:45PM Report as inappropriate

Waht about infrared depilation (IPL)?

by brbara_paula_acosta_prez Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 12:54PM Report as inappropriate

good article. There aren't any other products with these particular ingredients because the combination is patented. For those with a low budget and big determination it is legal to purchase ingredients and make a similar serum for personal use.

by skinpro Friday, August 17, 2012 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting and informative article!

by WiccanLady Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:44AM Report as inappropriate

This new organic brand has amazing natural anti-oxidant moisturizers. Me & The Girls Alternative Skin Care just won the Best New Product Award at the HBA Global Expo in NYC.

by sharon_harrishackney Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 04:59AM Report as inappropriate

This was an informative and interesting article. Some of the expert advice seemed pretty self-serving though. Nonetheless, it is helpful to read about how best to protect ourselves from skin damage and aging.

by HeathRene Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 04:15PM Report as inappropriate

I may try the Aveeno lotions

by Only1KimmieD Friday, June 22, 2012 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

I just purchased this serum after a facial. After reading this article, I am glad I bought SkinCeuticals! It is expensive, and that is one of the downfalls. However, I feel good knowing it will assist in total sun protection, it gives my skin a glow, and it has science to back up its claims. This article is a great read!

by mandyann8 Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 05:29AM Report as inappropriate

While antioxodants are extremely important, SPF is essential to ensure that the sun's damaging rays don't end up giving you skin cancer. Actives such as Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, and the like, are not an optional piece of an anti-aging, sun protection strategy.

by advicesisterA Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:35AM Report as inappropriate

I would love to see any followup from this article. I knew and believe in the anti-oxidants for the inside out, but I did not think of how it would work in the sun. I tend to hate using the sun protection for my face in the summer, so wear hats and tinted glasses. I also use Aveeno a lot, but have not seen the one shown. Nice information.

by evet Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:04AM Report as inappropriate

OOOOHHHHH, this is how I got my MS. No, really .. more products and supplements and lotions and serums I can add ... I feel like I'm listening to the Dr. Oz show. Quite a lot of information. Think I will check it out with a few more scientfic and medical sites before taking this for "the new word" on aging. But, the Aveeno lotion does look like worth a try.

by islands4me Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 06:52AM Report as inappropriate

Great explanation about how important antioxidants are!! Another great & less expensive anti aging skin care (also body care) system thats botanically based & chock full of vitamins A, C, E & sun protection Is Arbonne. Over 30 years of research & amazing results verified by independent clinical testing!! I have been using Arbonne products for almost 4 years & saw a difference in my skin within 2 days !! Arbonne is vegan & has everything from vitamins & nutritional products to skin care for everyone (including men, teens & babys!) to makeup. They also have an unconditional 45 day return policy for all products !! How can you go wrong?! It has changed my life !! Try it you have nothing to lose & everything to gain... plus most Arbonne consultants will also give you a free sample to try before you buy !! Bonnie Esterow

by Bonstrow Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 08:30PM Report as inappropriate

Good story. Antioxidents are very important for our skin. Combined with sunscreen, great combination!!!!!!

by HeideC Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 07:35PM Report as inappropriate

Being in the skin care industry, this was very imformative!

by PinkGirlMK Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 11:58AM Report as inappropriate

This is an impressive basic discussion on what antioxidants are, why they are necessary, and how to use/benefit from them. Especially for those who need a basic, straight forward explanation.

by Nadiaa Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 11:07AM Report as inappropriate

Nothing is as good as CE Ferulic and Phloretin. It's expensive b/c it works and there is science to back it. I love my SkinCeuticals products! And they last a loooong time. SO worth the cost.

by laura_schulz Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 10:09AM Report as inappropriate

No kidding!! That is a steep price!! What are some good alternatives??

by bethcann Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 07:38PM Report as inappropriate

Are there any serums recommended that are cheaper but still good? Maybe some that fit in various price ranges like $15-$25, $30-$50, $50-$99, $100+? That would be very helpful! I enjoyed reading this article nonetheless! :)

by Michik0 Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 06:24PM Report as inappropriate

so how about skin therapy where IR light is used, or collagen lamps?

by carolineful Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

Give us some product recommendations that are realistically priced, please! Come on!?! $146 for serum. I'd have to be stuck looking old. Sorry.

by jean_clark_lynd Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 01:45PM Report as inappropriate

Great article! Although there is one line of products that was not mentioned. The best products I have ever used, and I have used many, come from NuSkin. The company has invested years of research and millions of dollars to create an amazing collection of products. Not only do they help to reverse damage and wrinkles, but provide antioxidants and sun protection as well. From nutritional supplements to day cream, NuSkin has it all! The serum is the best and most effective! There is even a body spa, for use at home, to help eliminate cellulite and tone sagging skin! Some products even have a money back guarantee! What more could you ask for?? It has changed my life and I highly recommend it! Ethel Kunz

by etkunz Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 01:24PM Report as inappropriate

I only wish they had mentioned a less expensive way to get your C's and E's. I have always said that if you are going to spend money on just one product serum is the one. They're several good retioniods today that don't break the bank.

by kiminsc Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 11:41AM Report as inappropriate

Scary. Thannks for the tips!

by yestfl Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 06:55PM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by Nicole2814 Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 06:03PM Report as inappropriate

that aveeno lotion looks great, can't wait to try it!

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 09:49AM Report as inappropriate

So much to worry about, but good to know.

by Mysterylady Friday, May 25, 2012 at 10:21AM Report as inappropriate

Paula Begoun has been saying this for quite a while already! It is good this is up here :)

by PAN7HERMETICA Friday, May 25, 2012 at 02:08AM Report as inappropriate

This was interesting. I knew all this information anyways because I sell skin care, but it's nice to reword the same information in an easier to understand way rather than go deep into the science like I'm used to.

by volta Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 07:20PM Report as inappropriate

Some of the information was interesting but, unless you are in the business it wasn't helpful. I would rather see more information on actual products.

by ksweetser Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 06:42PM Report as inappropriate

Informative. Thanks! That Aveeno lotion looks nice!

by Nicole1021 Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 06:24PM Report as inappropriate

I wish this article provided more affordable (or just more in general) products with the 3 ingredients suggested. Help!

by melissakz Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 04:07PM Report as inappropriate

I was in a discussion yesterday and it was mentioned that some Dr's promote Vitamin C as a cancer killing agent. This gives me a lot to think about.

by alictasia Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

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