Healthy, younger looking skin is not only about genetics or expensive creams. Role of antioxidants when it comes to improving ageing skin is backed up by science. These powerful compounds protect your skin from oxidative damage, maintain skin structure, and support skin health.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally in the body, but they are also increased by external factors such as UV radiation, pollution, smoking, stress, and poor diet.

What is oxidative stress?

Free radicals are missing an electron, which makes them highly reactive. To stabilise themselves, they steal electrons from healthy cells. This process is known as oxidative stress.

Why oxidative stress matters for skin?

Oxidative stress damages important skin components such as collagen, elastin, and the skin barrier. Over time, this damage contributes to skin ageing, and results in:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Less firmness and elasticity
• Uneven skin tone and pigmentation
• Dull, tired looking skin
• Dry and sensitive skin

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals before they can cause this damage.

What age should I start using antioxidants?

Antioxidants can be used from early adulthood. Prevention is more effective than correction when it comes to skin ageing.

Can antioxidants replace sunscreen?

No. Antioxidants support skin protection but do not block UV rays. Sunscreen is essential and works best when paired with antioxidants.

Are antioxidants safe for sensitive skin?

Most are safe when properly formulated. Professional advice helps to make the right choice for sensitive or reactive skin types.

How antioxidants reduce skin ageing?

Antioxidants do not stop ageing, but they significantly slow the processes that make ageing visible on the skin.

1. It protects against collagen breakdown

Collagen is responsible for skin firmness and structure. Free radicals trigger enzymes that break down collagen fibres. Antioxidants reduce this process, helping skin stay stronger and more elastic.

2. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles

By limiting oxidative damage, antioxidants help preserve smoother skin texture, especially when used consistently.

3. It evens out skin tone

Oxidative stress contributes to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Antioxidants help regulate melanin production.

4. It strengthens skin barrier

A healthy skin barrier keeps moisture and protects against environmental stressors. Antioxidants help barrier repair, reduce dry skin, redness, and irritation.

What antioxidants are used in skincare?

Skincare products often combine multiple antioxidants

• Vitamin C – one of the most researched antioxidants in skincare. It boosts collagen, brightens skin, helps reduce pigmentation.
• Vitamin E – a lipid soluble antioxidant. It helps protect cell membranes and retains moisture.
• Niacinamide – supports antioxidant activity, improves skin texture, reduces inflammation, and strengthens skin barrier.
• Polyphenols and plant extracts – Green tea, resveratrol, and botanical extracts contain polyphenols that calm inflammation and protect against environmental damage.
• Vitamin A / Beta-carotene
• Flavonoids
• Selenium
• Zinc
• Coenzyme Q10

Topical antioxidants

Topical treatments with antioxidants, like creams and serums can protect the skin from UV radiation and pollution that cause the skin damage. They need to be used daily to get visible results.

Professional treatments with antioxidants

While home skincare is important, professional treatments get stronger results and are more effective.

At Beauty Bar, our beauty salon, anti-ageing treatments work with the skin’s natural repair processes. We improve skin quality gradually, rather than offering unrealistic instant fixes.

Many professional facials and treatments include antioxidant serums and masks.

One of our most popular treatments is microneedling or mesotherapy, where we use cocktails of vit C combined with other active ingredients, to brighten and refresh the skin.

Antioxidants are preventative rather than corrective. Consistent use over time gives the best results. Combining daily antioxidant skincare, sun protection, healthy lifestyle, and professional treatments creates an effective anti-ageing strategy.

How long does it take to see results?

Improvements in brightness and texture may show within weeks. Long-term anti-ageing benefits develop over several months.

Do professional treatments really make a difference?

Yes. Professional treatments deliver active ingredients more effectively and support deeper skin renewal than home care alone. Professional anti-ageing treatments can enhance penetration of antioxidants, stimulate collagen production, deliver stable forms of antioxidants

About the author

Justyna is the owner of Beauty Bar salon in Hertfordshire, founded in 2008. With nearly two decades of experience in advanced skin treatments, she works with results driven protocols tailored to individual skin concerns, focusing on long term skin health and visible improvement.