Brazil finds 3 antioxidants to fight dull, tired skin

Beauty experts point to three key antioxidants that can help address dull and tired-looking skin, offering a path to a more radiant complexion through internal support.

As the seasons change and schedules become busier, many people notice their skin losing its glow. Dry air, stress, and weather shifts can leave the complexion looking lackluster. While topical products offer relief, increasing antioxidant intake is a recommended strategy. Antioxidants work by fighting free radicals, calming inflammation, and improving the overall appearance of the skin from the inside out.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

These two vitamins are well-known for their role in collagen production. Vitamin C acts as a cofactor in the process, meaning skin cells rely on it to create collagen. Vitamin E helps protect against collagen cross-linking, a process where collagen becomes hard and stiff, contributing to skin aging. For those dealing with tired, sagging, or aging skin, these ingredients are considered essential additions to a routine.

The two vitamins also work together. Research has found that vitamin E can increase the effectiveness of vitamin C by up to eight times. In turn, vitamin C helps regenerate vitamin E after it neutralizes free radicals, further reducing oxidative stress on cell membranes.

Both are powerful antioxidants on their own. They help reduce free radical damage and ease inflammation. Vitamin C has been shown to improve skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation, brightening the complexion, decreasing moisture loss, and fighting against UV-induced damage.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is sometimes called the “King of the Carotenoids” due to its effectiveness as an antioxidant. This nutrient is found in certain types of red algae and marine life, such as salmon and crabs.

While it appears in some skin care products, it is often used as a supplement. Studies show it can address several skin conditions from the inside out. One study found that astaxanthin improved skin wrinkles, age spot size, and skin texture. In a double-blind clinical trial, participants reported improvements in moisture levels, especially around the eyes, as well as better elasticity and skin tone. Another double-blind study found that it can help the skin’s ability to retain water, which improves moisture and radiance.

Blood Orange Extract

This superfood extract is gaining attention due to new research on its benefits for the complexion. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study found that participants who took 100 milligrams daily saw a measurable increase in skin radiance. The increase was 9.2 percent after 14 days and 18.5 percent after 56 days.

The same study also looked at wrinkle depth. Researchers measured the participants’ deepest wrinkle before, during, and after the supplementation period. They found that the wrinkle depth decreased by 6.9 percent by the end of the study.

Increasing antioxidant intake is a direct way to address dullness. These free-radical fighters can help improve skin from the inside out, allowing the complexion to glow. While getting a variety of antioxidants through diet is beneficial, these three options are considered highly effective. If it is difficult to get enough through food alone, supplements are an alternative.