What is the role of antioxidants in skin care?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in skin care primarily by providing protection against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and aging of the skin. This damage may manifest as fine lines, wrinkles, and an uneven skin tone. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, thus preventing them from causing harm.

By incorporating antioxidants into skin care products, individuals can help mitigate the effects of environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution, which are common contributors to skin aging and degradation. Common antioxidants found in skin care formulations include vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and coenzyme Q10, all of which contribute to maintaining skin health and vitality.

Other options, while important in their own right, do not fully capture the primary function of antioxidants. For instance, moisturizing agents specifically target hydration, while collagen stimulators focus on increasing the skin's structural resilience, and skin color enhancement relates to pigmentation rather than protection against free radical damage.