Hey y’all! I wanted to share my thoughts on using antioxidant serums and creams for getting smoother, more even skin texture. I’ve tried a bunch of different products over the years and figured I’d pass along what I’ve learned.
Why Antioxidants?
So antioxidants are supposed to be really good for your skin because they help fight something called free radicals. Free radicals are like these unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells and make your skin look older. Antioxidants help stop the free radicals from doing their damage. Some common antioxidants used in skincare are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Green tea
- Resveratrol
- Niacinamide
They all work a little differently, but the main thing is they protect your skin. Using antioxidant products can help with things like:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Dullness
- Acne
- Redness
So pretty much everyone can benefit from getting more antioxidants on their skin!
My Fave Antioxidant Serums
I’ve tried a ton of antioxidant serums over the years. Here are some of my faves:
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
This serum from The Ordinary has two powerful antioxidants – resveratrol (from red grapes) and ferulic acid (from rice bran). I really like this combo! It feels nice and lightweight on my skin. I’ve noticed that my skin tone looks more even after using this regularly. It also seems to help with some fine lines on my forehead.The best part is that it’s super affordable! For less than $10 you get a lot of antioxidant power. I use this serum every morning and feel like it gives my skin an extra boost to fight off the day’s free radicals.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Now this serum is on the pricier side, but it’s a classic for a reason. The combo of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid is really effective. My skin looks so glowy and smooth after I use this stuff. It also has helped fade some sun spots I had on my cheeks.It feels nice and silky, almost like an oil texture. A little goes a long way – you only need a few drops to cover your whole face. I don’t use this one every day because of the price tag, but I do think it’s worth splurging on occasionally.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
I’ll be honest – I bought this mostly because it’s in a pretty purple bottle and smells like violets, haha. But it’s actually a really nice vitamin C serum! It has a lightweight gel texture that feels cooling when applied.I have sensitive skin that can get red easily, and this serum never irritates my skin. It seems to calm any redness and give me a more even complexion. My skin also looks brighter and more radiant after using it.It’s on the pricier side like the SkinCeuticals, so I use it a few times a week when I want an extra boost. The floral scent is an added bonus!
Best Antioxidant Moisturizers
For smoother, more even skin texture, I like using an antioxidant moisturizer in addition to a serum. Here are two of my favorites:
Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Moisturizer
This moisturizer contains vitamin C along with peptides to improve skin texture. I really like the lightweight gel cream formula – it absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue.My skin feels super soft and smooth after applying this moisturizer. I’ve also noticed my skin tone looking more even and bright. And it’s fragrance-free which is great for my sensitive skin.Plus it’s pretty affordable as far as vitamin C moisturizers go. Olay products are generally a good value. I really think this moisturizer improves my skin texture.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Face Moisturizer SPF 50
Not only does this moisturizer contain antioxidants, it also has SPF 50! So it’s protecting your skin from sun damage and environmental stressors.It contains a blend of antioxidants like vitamin E, grape seed extract, and thermal spring water. I was impressed by how lightweight it feels, while still being intensely hydrating.My skin feels super smooth and looks more even after applying this moisturizer. And I love that it has such high SPF – I don’t have to layer as many products in the morning. Definitely a good multitasking moisturizer!
Tips for Using Antioxidants
Here are some quick tips I’ve learned for getting the most out of antioxidant skincare:
- Apply antioxidant serums first after cleansing – this helps them absorb better
- Follow with a moisturizer to seal everything in
- Vitamin C works best in the morning since it can boost your sunscreen
- Use niacinamide at night if you’re acne-prone since it helps control oil
- Look for formulas with vitamin E to help stabilize the antioxidants
- Store vitamin C serums in the fridge to maintain potency
- If your skin is sensitive, start by using antioxidants 2-3 times a week
The Bottom Line
Whew, okay I know that was a lot of info! But I hope this gives you a good starting point for choosing antioxidant products. I really do think they make a big difference in getting smoother, more even toned skin. Let me know if you have any other questions!
