There are a plethora of antioxidants out there, but the more popular ones often used in skincare include vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, resveratrol, and niacinamide. “During the day, antioxidants and sunscreen work synergistically to protect the skin from free radicals [unstable atoms that trigger oxidative stress in the body] in the environment and UV damage,” explains board-certified dermatologist Lian Mack, MD. Using an antioxidant and SPF together protects the skin against all facets of environmental damage that can lead to DNA breakdown. “Ultimately, this prevents damage to skin cells,” Dr. Mack explains. TL;DR: Your sunscreen is great, but antioxidants make it better.
