What are antioxidants in skincare?
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralise free radicals – unstable oxygen species generated by UV light, pollution, smoke and normal metabolism. Left unchecked those radicals damage lipids, proteins and DNA in skin cells.
Skin has its own antioxidant network, but it is depleted by sun exposure and declines with age. Topical antioxidants top it back up. The category spans vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, niacinamide, resveratrol, green tea polyphenols, coenzyme Q10 and many botanical extracts.
What skin concerns do antioxidants treat?
They are primarily preventative, working against the oxidative damage behind photoageing – fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven tone and dullness.
Several also treat actively: vitamin C brightens pigment, niacinamide evens tone and controls oil, green tea and resveratrol calm inflammation. Applied under sunscreen they reduce the damage that gets through, which is why dermatologists treat them as a morning step rather than an optional extra.
What ingredients are best paired with antioxidants?
Antioxidants work as a network, regenerating one another, so combinations outperform any single one. The best-evidenced example is vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid, which together measurably increase photoprotection beyond what each achieves alone.
Use them in the morning, always under broad-spectrum SPF – they reduce damage but do not block UV. At night, pair with retinoids and peptides for repair, and with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier support. Take our Skin Quiz.
What are clogged pores?
A clogged pore is a hair follicle blocked by a mix of sebum, dead skin cells and debris. Left open to the air the plug oxidises and darkens into a blackhead; sealed over by skin it becomes a whitehead or closed comedone.
Clogged pores are the starting point of nearly all acne – the microcomedone forms first, and inflammation follows only if bacteria and immune response get involved.
What causes clogged pores?
Excess sebum and abnormal keratinisation are the two mechanics. When the follicle lining sheds cells faster than they can clear, they bind with oil and form a plug.
Comedogenic products (heavy oils, some silicones and waxes), thick makeup worn for long stretches, humidity, sweat left on the skin, hormonal shifts and insufficient cleansing all contribute. So does over-cleansing, which damages the barrier and drives oil production up.
What ingredients are best for clogged pores?
Salicylic acid is the first choice because it is oil-soluble and works inside the pore rather than just on the surface. Glycolic and lactic acid clear the surface layer, and clay masks absorb excess oil weekly.
Retinoids are the most effective long-term fix, because they change how the follicle sheds in the first place. Add niacinamide to regulate sebum and keep the barrier intact, and switch to non-comedogenic, lightweight hydrators. Take our Skin Quiz to find products that will not re-clog you.
