Cosmetic Antioxidants: Champions Against Sun Damage

Cosmetic antioxidants are key ingredients that help protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun. While they don’t replace sunscreen, they work in synergy with it to strengthen the skin’s defences and prevent premature aging, pigmentation spots, and loss of elasticity.

What happens when the skin is exposed to the sun?
UV rays (UVA and UVB) penetrate the skin and cause:

• Oxidative stress that increases free radical production
• DNA damage in skin cells
• Inflammation: sunburn, redness
• Breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and premature skin aging

What is a free radical?
A free radical is an unstable molecule (often oxygen) that has lost an electron. To stabilize itself, it tries to “steal” an electron from healthy cells, triggering a chain reaction of cellular damage. Free radicals, DNA damage, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin are responsible for premature skin aging and dark spots.

To protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals, antioxidant cosmetic ingredients are used. These compounds donate an electron to free radicals without becoming unstable themselves. Cosmetic antioxidants brighten the complexion, protect the skin from daily external aggressions, and help prevent photo-aging (sun-induced aging).

Effective Cosmetic Antioxidants

• White rose stem cell extracts: Rich in active molecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and enzymes. They offer strong anti-aging effects by slowing free radical formation. They also protect the skin’s stem cells, essential for regeneration. Recent studies have shown that plant stem cells stimulate collagen and elastin production, aiding in fast tissue repair.
• Edelweiss flower: Known for its incredible antioxidant properties that help it survive extreme conditions. To cope with harsh environments, the flower has developed a highly effective internal defence system that helps the skin preserve its natural beauty by neutralizing free radicals.
• Vitamin C: A well-known antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure. It also stimulates collagen production, keeping skin firmer and more elastic.
• Golden algae (Laminaria ochroleuca): Lives in shallow waters exposed to intense sunlight variations due to tidal movements. Its environment makes it a true shield against photoaging caused by UVA/UVB rays. Thanks to its fucoxanthin content and other polyphenols, it offers exceptional antioxidant protection for skin cells.
• Astaxanthin: The king of carotenoids and is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants. Derived from the micro-algae Hematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin gives flamingos, salmon, shrimp, and other crustaceans their pink-red colour. It protects the skin from external aggressions, helps preserve hyaluronic acid, boosts collagen production, maintains elastin, and shields cells from UV-induced oxidative damage.

For radiant and well-protected skin, count on the winning duo: effective sun protection and antioxidant skincare. Together, they form a powerful shield against free radicals, skin damage, and signs of sun-induced aging.