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 is cystic acne?
Cystic acne is the most severe form of inflammatory acne. Instead of surface pimples, it produces deep, tender nodules and fluid-filled cysts that sit under the skin, often without ever coming to a head.
It happens when a blocked follicle ruptures deep in the dermis and spills sebum, keratin and bacteria into surrounding tissue, triggering a strong immune inflammatory response. Because the damage is deep, cystic acne is the type most likely to scar.
What causes cystic acne?
The same four factors behind all acne, amplified: excess sebum, abnormal shedding inside the follicle, overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation. Androgens drive sebum production, which is why cystic acne often tracks with hormonal cycles, PCOS or puberty.
Genetics strongly influence severity, and stress, high-glycaemic diets, occlusive products and picking at lesions all make it worse. Squeezing a cyst pushes the contents deeper and reliably increases scarring.
What ingredients are best for cystic acne?
Cystic acne genuinely warrants a dermatologist – oral treatment is often needed. Alongside that, topical retinoids are the most useful over-the-counter active, because they work on the plug before it ruptures.
Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacterial load, azelaic acid calms inflammation and post-acne marks, and niacinamide helps redness without irritation. Keep the rest of the routine gentle and barrier-focused – harsh scrubs and drying alcohol make deep lesions angrier. Take our Skin Quiz.
