An antioxidant is a molecule that neutralizes free radicals within the physique. “Free radicals are dangerous unstable molecules that may injury your cells or DNA,” says board-certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, M.D., FAAD. Free radicals can result in irritation and oxidative stress within the physique—which you guessed it!—can set off darkish spot formation.

Sadly, free radicals are fairly pervasive: They arrive from air pollution, UV rays, meals, inner stress, exterior aggressors, in addition to simply making them naturally as a part of the metabolic course of. It is so essential that you just search for antioxidant-rich topicals in your skincare routine so your pores and skin can fend off the onslaught of those molecules every day.

“Folks typically ask what number of antioxidants try to be utilizing often; the reply is: the extra the higher,” says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group. “The extra you possibly can assist neutralize unstable molecules brought on by free radical formation, the longer you possibly can salvage the well being of your cells and pores and skin. There’s actually no restrict to how a lot you possibly can shield and restore your physique!”

Listed here are a few of our favourite antioxidants to search for: