Stress. It happens to everyone. We’re looking at you, 2020. But when your skin is stressed it can cause long-term damage that leads to premature aging and robs you of your healthy skin glow. Stressed skin can be the result of many things but there’s one major culprit: free radicals.
What are free radicals exactly?
Free radicals are molecules that are missing part of their structure, making them unstable. In their search to become whole again by stealing their missing piece from other molecules, they cause chaos in the skin. This is what is referred to as oxidative damage.
Free radicals exist all around us, but a person’s exposure varies depending on their environment and lifestyle. Air pollution and UV exposure are leading causes of oxidative stress, but even if you’re lathering in sunscreen before going outside, you likely need protection inside too. The blue light emitted from TV, phone and computer screens can have the same effect on the skin—laxity, dark spots, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. Basically, our skin can use all the support it can get.
Fortunately, there are ingredients that can be added to your skincare regimen that help your skin feel less stressed—and you’re less stressed about your skin.
Ingredients that fight damage
Your skincare routine can not only help reduce free radical damage, but also help minimize the signs of any existing damage by leveraging the power of antioxidants. Finding the right product is easy by keeping your eye out for these three key ingredients.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Not all vitamin C products are created equal. If you want to pack a punch against free radicals and minimize signs of premature aging, look for L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of topical vitamin C. Other forms vitamin C, often listed as ascorbyl palmitate or sodium ascorbate, aren’t as powerful or effective as L-ascorbic acid.
Topical vitamin C works on the skin the same way lemon juice preserves a sliced apple, by slowing the aging process from environmental exposure. Incorporating L-ascorbic acid into your morning regimen protects against UV damage throughout the day, helps fade dark spots and brightens the skin.
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Vitamin E is vitamin C’s favorite sidekick. It helps preserve your favorite vitamin C formula so it’s effective until the last drop. But vitamin E, specifically its skin-loving form tocopherol, also has its own antioxidant properties, fighting off free radicals and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
Ferulic acid
Another antioxidant powerhouse, ferulic acid can double the effectiveness of vitamins C and E against sun damage, the leading cause of premature fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Like tocopherol, ferulic acid also lengthens the shelf life of L-ascorbic acid.
Let us help with your stress relief. Add Phoenix 15% Vitamin C + E Serum, boosted with ferulic acid, to your daily regimen to protect skin against daily environmental stressors.
