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 melasma?
Melasma is a common form of acquired hyperpigmentation that appears as symmetrical brown or greyish-brown patches, most often across the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jawline. It develops when melanocytes – the pigment-producing cells in the skin – become overactive and deposit excess melanin into the epidermis, the dermis, or both.
It is far more common in women and in medium to deeper skin tones, and it behaves as a chronic, relapsing condition rather than a one-off mark – which is why management matters as much as treatment.
What causes melasma?
Three triggers dominate: ultraviolet and visible light exposure, hormonal change (pregnancy, oral contraceptives and hormone therapy – hence its nickname, the mask of pregnancy), and genetic predisposition.
Heat, visible light from sunlight and screens, inflammation from harsh products or aggressive procedures, and certain medications all make existing patches worse. Because the triggers are ongoing, melasma typically fades and returns rather than clearing permanently.
What ingredients are best for melasma?
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable, and a tinted mineral SPF containing iron oxides is best because it also screens the visible light that drives pigment production.
On top of that, the most evidence-backed actives are tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, liquorice root extract, retinoids and gentle alpha-hydroxy acids. Avoid harsh scrubs and strong heat, both of which can rebound the pigment. Take our Skin Quiz to build a routine around your skin tone and triggers.
