Life & Beauty Weekly

These days, “antioxidants” is certainly a buzzword, and for good reason. Various antioxidants are the skin care equivalent of superheroes. They fight off enemies that attack your body’s cells.

For example, in skin, free radicals are rogue molecules triggered by the sun’s UV rays, pollution and smoke. They work against us by speeding up the aging process. 

Antioxidants in the form of vitamins, minerals and extracts work to neutralize these free radicals, so it’s smart to swap a plain moisturizer for one that contains antioxidants.

Picking the right antioxidant lotion for your skin can be confusing. Store shelves are packed with moisturizers boasting various “miracle” vitamins and extracts from plants, fruits or teas.

The best advice: Choose a lotion that contains at least one ingredient with hard science to back up its efficacy, such as vitamin C, green tea and idebenone. All have been proven to quench free radicals and give your skin a healthier appearance.

Applying the lotion twice daily may also help repair damaged skin and fading brown spots.

Your Expert
Francesca Fusco, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.