Antioxidants & Your Summer Skincare:
The Science Behind Your Summer Glow-Up from a New Esthetician
Hi, babes- my name is Sheridan, and I am a new esthetician here at Sapien. Being a newer esthetician, I am always looking to further my knowledge on products, and if you’re anything like me, you don’t just want to know what products to use, you want to know why they work. Lately, I’ve been researching the science of various skincare ingredients, and one category that I’ve been loving? Antioxidants.
You’ve probably heard they’re “good for your skin,” but let’s break down how they
actually work and why they are especially important during the summer months.
The Real Problem: Free Radical Damage (Oxidative Stress)
Every day, our skin is exposed to external damage such as UV rays, pollution, and heat.
All of these environmental factors generate something called free radicals, which are essentially unstable oxygen molecules that are missing an electron. Because they are unstable, free radicals try to stabilize themselves by “stealing” electrons from healthy skin cells. This triggers something called oxidative stress, a process that damages your skin’s DNA, collagen, elastin, and skin barrier. The skin barrier is the skin’s outermost layer, made up of lipids and cells that work together to retain moisture and block out various harmful elements. Over time, this can lead to visible signs of aging, such as dullness, pigmentation, fine lines, uneven tone, and inflammation. In short, free radicals are your skin’s enemy.
Where Antioxidants Come In
Antioxidants are molecules that can safely give up electrons to free radicals, halting the
damage before it gets out of control. Think of antioxidants as your cellular bodyguards–constantly protecting your skin, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping oxidative stress to a minimum. Antioxidants can also stimulate collagen production, allowing for not only prevention but restoration for your skin. But why are antioxidants more important to use during the summer? That is because UV radiation is the leading cause of free radical generation in the skin. During summer, your exposure to UV is increased, regardless of whether you’re lying out in the sun or just walking to pick up a coffee. Even if you’re wearing sunscreen (which is non-negotiable!) UV rays will still sneak through and generate free radicals underneath the surface.
Other summer-specific stressors include, but aren’t limited to:
● Increased UV Exposure: The sun’s rays are stronger, and most people opt to spend
more time outdoors. Even with good SPF, UV rays can penetrate and produce free
radicals.
● Sweat and Oil Buildup: Summer often goes hand-in-hand with sweatier, oilier skin,
which can trap free radicals closer to the surface if your barrier is compromised.
● More Environmental Stressors: City smog, heat, and humidity can break down your
skin’s barrier and speed up oxidative damage.
So, what is my recent go-to, science-based antioxidant product? ZO Skin Health’s Daily Power Defense. It’s not just a basic antioxidant serum; it is packed with many other ingredients that give your skin the summertime boost it needs. Daily Power Defense combines powerful ingredients like Vitamins A and E—both potent antioxidants, with Vitamin A in its preservative form to deliver benefits without the harsh effects of typical retinoids. It also features ZO-RRS2®, a plant stem cell complex that soothes redness and neutralizes free radicals, while ZPOLYTM, a plant-derived polysaccharide, helps fight premature aging and offers lasting hydration. Specialized enzymes also encourage optimal skin cell health, leaving your complexion radiant and youthful.This product also uses ZO’s time-release delivery system, so the active ingredients are released throughout the day, keeping your skin protected, glowy, and moisturized long after you apply it. For me, it’s become a staple in my morning skincare routine under my moisturizer and SPF. I like to think of it as a second layer of protection, something that works at the cellular level, not just on the surface. And the brightening factor is no joke!
If you’re looking to invest in your skin this summer, don’t stop at SPF. We spend so much time talking about SPF in summer (as we should), but antioxidants deserve just as much love. Give your cells the backup they need to stay strong and youthful long-term. I’ll be diving deeper into antioxidants, including a breakdown of Vitamin C, Retinol, and other skincare tips to keep your skin glowing all summer long! Be sure to follow my new esthetics account @sheridanresthetics and turn on notifications so you don’t miss out on the latest skincare education and updates—I’d love for you to join me on this journey! Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or already have built your skincare routine up like a pro, be sure not to overlook the power of antioxidants. Your future skin will thank you.
Radiance starts from within–until next time,
Sheridan
Instagram: @sheridanresthetics
