Antioxidants for the skin: a trend, marketing, or real protection?
The word antioxidants has long been part of skincare conversations. It appears in descriptions of creams, serums, and even hand care products. But what does it really mean? Is it just a fashionable term, or a genuinely effective way to protect the skin?
To understand the role of antioxidants, it’s important first to look at what exactly they protect the skin from.
What is oxidative stress and why it harms the skin
Every day, the skin is exposed to factors that trigger oxidative processes:
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ultraviolet radiation
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cold, wind, and temperature changes
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polluted air
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chronic stress
As a result, free radicals are formed—unstable molecules that damage skin cells, lipids, and proteins. This process is known as oxidative stress and, over time, it leads to:
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dryness and loss of elasticity
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dull skin tone
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increased sensitivity
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the appearance of pigmentation
Antioxidants help neutralize these processes and support the skin’s healthy condition.
Antioxidants are not only about the face
Most people associate antioxidant care exclusively with facial skincare. But the skin of the hands and body is just as vulnerable. Hands, in particular, are constantly exposed to sun, cold, and aggressive environmental factors, which is why they often show signs of aging faster.
Regular antioxidant care helps to:
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reduce the impact of external stressors
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maintain a more even skin tone
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prevent the appearance of premature signs of aging
Black spruce bark extract: a powerful natural antioxidant
In natural skincare, it’s not just the word antioxidant that matters, but the quality and form of the active ingredient.
BOREALINE® PROTECT is a standardized extract of black spruce bark from the Canadian boreal forest, rich in resveratrol. It:
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reduces oxidative stress
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protects skin lipids
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helps counteract the negative effects of UV exposure
Clinical studies have shown that as little as 10 minutes after application of products containing this extract, the skin becomes noticeably more hydrated, with the effect lasting up to 6 hours.
Antioxidant care in everyday life
Antioxidants work best when they are part of a daily routine rather than an occasional treatment.
An antioxidant hand cream with phytoceramides and black spruce bark extract combines antioxidant protection with restoration of the skin’s lipid barrier. Phytoceramides help retain moisture, while the lightweight texture makes the cream comfortable for use throughout the day—even in an active lifestyle.
Regular use helps to:
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hydrate the skin
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protect against premature pigmentation
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create a visibly more even skin tone on the hands
Antioxidants and hydration: why balance matters
Antioxidant protection cannot work effectively without adequate hydration. That’s why skincare should be holistic.
Gentle cleansing with a moisturizing 3-in-1 shower gel with baobab and wheat protein helps maintain skin comfort without disrupting its natural balance.
Meanwhile, a moisturizing body and hand lotion with centella asiatica supports hydration, soothes the skin, and helps it recover more quickly from external stressors.
So, are antioxidants a trend or a necessity?
Antioxidants are not just a trendy word or a marketing trick. They are a real tool for protecting the skin—especially in conditions of urban living, cold weather, and constant stress.
When antioxidant care is chosen correctly, it works gently but consistently, supporting healthy-looking skin today and helping preserve its resources for the future.
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