6 Antioxidants You Must Include In Your Skincare Routine

A popular term in the skincare world, antioxidants are especially loved by dermats and aestheticians. You surely would have heard of them, and are even using a few in your routine. Although the hype around them may seem a bit too much, their benefits are proof that they are nothing less than absolute skin-wonders. Let’s get to know them better. 

What are antioxidants? 

To put it simply, antioxidants are molecules that prevent your skin from degenerating. Think of your skin as a slice of apple. When you leave it out, it starts to turn wrinkly, and rot. We call this aging when it comes to skin. For us, free radicals like smoking, stress, eating processed foods, and having prolonged exposure to sun, pollution and white lights causes our skin to oxidize or age. They break down the collagen in our skin, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. 

And that is why, you must add antioxidants in your routine right away to age like fine wine! 

So, do they only delay signs of aging? NO! 

These are some amazing benefits of antioxidants

• Added sun protection 
• Helpful for acne prone skin 
• Evens out skin tone 
• Brightens skin 
• Helps maintain youthful skin 

So wait, if they have the same benefits, how do you choose? 

Here’s how you pick the best antioxidants for your skin 

Even though they technically do the same job, some are potent than others, and benefit the skin in different ways. Scroll down to find the *true match* for yourself! 

Vitamin C 

The most sought-after antioxidant, vitamin C is your go-to if you want to achieve firmer looking and even-toned skin. It is best used in the AM skincare routine to make the most of its sun protection abilities. If using in a serum formulation, always follow with sunscreen! The Quench Mon Cherry Brightening Foam Cleanser has cherry blossom, which is a natural antioxidant that gives your skin a boost of hydration and glow. It also homes citric acid, which gently exfoliates the skin for a brighter complexion. 

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A hits a home run when it comes to turning back the clock on aging skin. Usually known as retinol, it is a very potent ingredient that stimulates collagen production and speeds up cell renewal to smoothen fine lines and reduce discoloration. Bakuchiol, the natural alternative to retinol works in the same way, and is even suitable for sensitive skin. The Quench Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum has the natural goodness of avocado, rice water, pomegranate, and bakuchiol which leaves the skin looking brighter, smoother and radiant. It also has skin-plumping anti-oxidants that keep the skin looking soft and plump. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

If the last statement got you curious, hyaluronic acid is the skin-plumping anti-oxidant that we were talking about. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, and draw hydration into the skin. It also scavenges free radicals – the bad guys, and reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin plump and hydrated. We love how the Quench Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule not only targets dark spots, but also adds a visible bounce and plumpness to the skin, thanks to the hyaluronic acid that adds hydration to all skin levels. 

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, making it the holy grail for people who want to tackle acne, rosacea, and redness. It also reinforces the skin’s barrier function, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Not only that, it is also beneficial for people who are prone to blackheads and whiteheads or hyperpigmentation. The Quench Mon Cherry Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel is power-packed with 2% niacinamide which provides all the above benefits and so much more! It also has grapefruit, a natural form of salicylic acid that mildly exfoliates, moringa seed oil that intensely hydrates and pearl, that adds radiance to the skin. That’s quite a deal, right? 

Vitamin E 

Widely known for its skin healing and moisturizing properties, vitamin E is perfect for people who have dry skin. It is excellent for people who have sensitive or inflamed skin, as it has a calming effect and can strengthen the skin’s barrier. It’s highly nourishing and skin brightening benefits can be well-reaped with the Quench Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Eye Cream that makes your eyes look well-rested and awake. Cica, Korean ginseng and licorice root extracts hydrate, soothe and brighten the skin, while the orange peel oil minimizes dark circles and puffiness. Bid goodbye to those pesky under eye shadows, forever! 

Polyphenols

This list wouldn’t have been complete without this super-star ingredient. Mostly found in plants and fruits, polyphenols are nature’s most potent antioxidants. Your green tea and black tea too, are powerhouses of this amazing ingredient. The consumption as well as the topical use of polyphenols improves skin’s health, as well as slows down the aging process. Now you know why Japanese women love their green tea! 

They’re all loaded with benefits and will make a visible difference to your skin texture and health. Choose those antioxidants that cater to your skin type and concern, and watch your skin glow!