Skin Care
The Anti-Aging Ingredient More Important Than SunscreenSPF is your best weapon in the fight against aging, right? Maybe not. New research shows that antioxidants in skin care may have sunscreen beat |
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But here's the thing: We were wrong. SPF is not enough to protect you from sun damage. Sunscreens block UVA and UVB rays, but those rays only account for seven percent of solar energy. New research finds that infrared radiation, which makes up 54 percent of solar energy, also causes aging -- and it might even be worse than UV rays. While there is no product that can totally guard you from infrared radiation, studies show that antioxidants in skin care may help.
More and more dermatologists and skin care experts now recommend wearing an antioxidant serum and a sunscreen -- and many of them believe the antioxidant is the more important half of the duo. "I rarely wear sunscreen anymore," said Stuart Leitch, assistant vice president of marketing at SkinCeuticals, while sitting at a table of shocked beauty editors. "I get more protection from my antioxidant serum."
Skip ahead to find out more about the antioxidants you should be using.
Leitch explained that he does wear SPF when he knows he's going to be outside -- and most dermatologists still suggest sticking with the combination of an antioxidant serum followed by a sunscreen. The problem, however, is that most patients skip that antioxidant step because there's so much confusion about antioxidants: What are they? What do antioxidants do? Does it matter which one you choose? We're answering these questions and more -- because adding an antioxidant to your skin care regimen might just be the most important thing you do to fight aging.
SEE NEXT PAGE: The "new" kind of sun damage
Older comments
VEry informative article. And an interesting read. Definitely will have to start getting more antioxidants in my routine!!!
by smiley412 Friday, April 26, 2013 at 07:38AM Report as inappropriate
I loved the info in this story! In my 20's, I never paid attention to agin products or skin protection. After spending my first year in my 30's, that's my greatest concern. I've realized that products with health benefits/damage protection have greater beauty benefits!
by RaeRotondo Friday, March 22, 2013 at 06:42AM Report as inappropriate
Wonderful read. I keep seeing and hearing great things about this SkinCeuticals serum.. Maybe I'll fork over the money and give it a go?
by storrevillas Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 05:52AM Report as inappropriate
Good article very informative
by lil_show5 Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:26AM Report as inappropriate
One of the most well researched and written article on the website. Very informative. To summarize, antioxidants help PREVENT damage in the first place, but do not REMOVE damage. Great :)
by hiddenexpose Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 01:17PM Report as inappropriate
This is a great article and really found the info very helpful. Not that I am 37 I am really starting to think about this more and more and been sort of lost on all the stuff out there. Thank you
by Alana_Danes Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 03:01PM Report as inappropriate
Superb explanation of antioxidants and free radicals! Absolutely necessary.
by GigiSD Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10:34PM Report as inappropriate
amazing information!
by rayshaviolet Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 01:46PM Report as inappropriate
good info
by aishak55 Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate
Shame antioxidants don't do anything for existing wrinkles but seems like they're still a necessary part of a daily routine. I got some good updates from this article
by EricaC123 Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 04:09AM Report as inappropriate