Antioxidants 101

VITAMIN C
Best for treating sun damage and pigmentation problems, this leading antioxidant is everywhere. But look for vitamin C ester in the ingredient list, as this is the most effective and advanced form of vitamin C today that is also most gentle to the skin. Other forms like ascorbic acid are less stable and not as efficacious, says Dr. Perricone.

Product Links:

Dr. Perricone Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum ,$50

MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum,$95

By Melissa Goldberg

Courtesy of MD Skincare and Perricone MD

VITAMIN E
A nourishing antioxidant that is often found in richly moisturizing creams, vitamin E is a great ingredient to look for when your skin is especially dry and parched. Curel pairs their version with honey, vanilla and shea butter for soothing relief while California Baby makes a version with aloe vera that is so gentle, it's safe for even the most sensitive skin.

Product Links:

Curel Natural Healing Nourishing Lotion,$8.49

California Baby Calendula Everyday Lotion,$11.49

Courtesy of California Baby and Curel

ACAI
From smoothies to skin cream, this Brazilian berry is touted everywhere today as a superfood that reinvigorates both body and skin. Kiehl's launched an entire acai collection that you can layer up for maximum results, and Alba Botanica's refreshing mist is great for use as a toner or as a refreshing pick-me-up anytime of the day.

Product Links:

Kiehl's Organic Acai Collection,$24.50-$44

Alba Botanica Refreshing Mist Toner,$14.95

Courtesy of Kiehl's and Alba Botanica

GRAPE SEED
While a glass of wine a day is often praised for its health benefits, a skincare serving of grape seed has also proven to be beneficial. Studies have shown that red and purple grapes help counter the signs of aging more effectively than other antioxidants like vitamins A and E. Caudalie's super serum is an aggressive youth booster that leaves skin more luminous, while Jergen's restorative lotion renews mature and dry body skin.

Product Links:

Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème,$150

Jergens Naturals Skin Renewing Moisturizer,$5.99

Courtesy of Caudalie and Jergens

ARGAN OIL
Used for centuries in Moroccan beauty care, this nourishing yet light oil is just gaining popularity in the USA. The Moroccanoil's hair treatment is a celeb favorite, as it weightlessly conditions hair with a silky finish and delicious coconut scent. Josie Maran's stick version brings the restorative benefits of argan oil to the skin, so you can easily target dry areas from cuticles to lips.

Product Links:

Moroccanoil Treatment,$39

Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick,$22

Courtesy of Josie Maran and Moroccan Oil

COENZYME Q10
The energy source for brand new cells, this antioxidant is found in every cell of your body. As we age, we naturally lose our reserves - and our skin suffers for it. Eucerin's Q10 anti-wrinkle cream replenishes skin with the essential ingredient, while Avalon Organics' milk helps restore more active cell regeneration when you cleanse.

Product Links:

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream,$11.49

Avalon Organics CoQ10 Facial Cleansing Milk,$11.95

Courtesy of Avalon Organics and Eucerin

KINETIN
Known as a super anti-aging ingredient, kinetin is a plant substance that increases the skin's ability to retain moisture as well as turnover new cells faster. Kinerase popularized this antioxidant by using it in an entire line of products, and their brand new C8 Peptide serum combines kinetin with other powerhouses like green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E. Meanwhile, The Body Shop combines kinetin with all natural sunscreens and cocoa butter for a rich and protective day cream.

Product Links:

Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment,$98

The Body Shop Wise Woman Regenerating Day Cream,$32

Courtesy of Kinerase and The Body Shop

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
This impressive antioxidant stimulates collagen and prevents cross-linking between proteins, which is a cause of wrinkles. Aubrey Organics combines alpha lipoic acid with evening primrose for a soothing night cream while Envision Beauty's lotion formulates it with acai, grapeseed, goji and vitamins A, C and E for an all-in-one product that packs a major anti-aging punch.

Product Links:

Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Night Crème with Alpha Lipoic Acid,$21.50

Envision The Solution,$74

Courtesy of Aubrey Organics

GREEN TEA EXTRACT
Enjoyed by the east for centuries as a comforting tea that increases wellness, green tea acts like an immune-builder for the skin by helping it fight damage caused by the environment and stress. AMOREPACIFIC grows green tea leaves in a private garden and mixes it with caffeine to de-puff and reduce undereye darkness. Plastic Surgeon Dr. Christine Rodgers' En Pointe brand uses it in a serum filled with other anti-inflammatories to reduce uneven pigmentation troubles and brighten skin.

Product Links:

AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bond Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex,$125

En Pointe Encore Renewal Serum,$85

Courtesy of Amore Pacific and En Pointe

LYCOPENE
Found in tomatoes, lycopene gives the fruit its vibrant red shade and is such a strong free radical fighter that medical studies have found it may help prevent cancer. The skin care company Lycopene imports the ingredient from Italy, where they grow tomatoes organically for their cream. Zia Natural Skincare blends it with raspberries, blackberries and alfalfa for an oil-absorbing toner treat that sounds good enough to eat.

Product Links:

Lycopene Crema Rinnovante,$48.75

Zia Natural Skincare Ultimate Toning Mist,$21.95

Courtesy of Zia Natural and Lycopene