The ESK blog
What To Do About Wrinkles: The Evidence Behind Antioxidants In Skincare
22 July 2021
Dana Raffoul
Approximately 80% of your skin’s premature aging is related to sun exposure or UVA radiation. These UV rays (along with pollution) causes the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which are unstable oxygen-containing molecules. These molecules result in chain reactions within the skin which cause a reduction in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin and that causes fine lines and wrinkles.Â
WHEN IT COMES TO ANTIOXIDANTS, REMEMBER YOUR A, B, CS:
VITAMIN A
The best evidence for the management of sun-related aging is in using Vitamin A AKA retinoids. Of all the cosmeceutical forms of Vitamin A, Retinal (in ESK’s Ultimate A and Ultimate A+) is the most effective and least irritating. Retinal is much more effective than Retinol, which is much more commonly found in skincare than Retinal.
While there are many forms, they all ultimately work by converting to Retinoic acid which binds with receptors in the skin. This stimulates a number of processes, one of which results in the building of collagen in the skin. And this, in turn, results in a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles.
Ultimate A
Vitamins A and B. Effortlessly improves skin texture and tone for skin that is soft smooth and supple.Â
- Rebuild collagen
- Increase skin elasticity
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
A Vitamin A (Retinal – 0.1%), B3 (Niacinamide – 4%) and AHA (Glycolic Acid – 2%) based night cream. Vitamin A is the ingredient with the strongest anti-ageing evidence and Retinal is the most effective and least irritating form of Vitamin A. Ultimate A+
VITAMIN B3
Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a great all-rounder with benefits for aging, pigmented, inflamed, rosacea or acne prone skin.Â
Niacinamide acts as an antioxidant, and assists in repair of cell DNA. It improves skin barrier function, and decreases moisture loss so it’s a favourite for managing dry skin conditions, including eczema. When it comes to skin ageing, niacinamide increases skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces blotchiness and general sallowness.
Which is why we include in ESK’s B Calm, B Quenched, Enlighten, Ultimate A and Ultimate A+
Try our new & improved Repair + Stay hydrated all day with this deeply nourishing cream to repair irritable, dry and moody skin to restore it to its natural radiance. New formula: We enhanced our Repair + by adding Panthenol (provitamin B5) and Squalane to increase hydration and skin calming properties.Repair +
B Calm
Calm sensitive, oily or acne prone skin with this light-weight vitamin B3 and Salicylic Acid moisturising cream that glides on like silk.
- Improve skin's barrier function
- Manage the skin's oil production
- Improve acne and rosacea symptoms.
New formula: We added 2% Salicylic Acid making it more light-weight, hydrating and more effective in managing acne and red and sensitive skin.Â
Retain your skin's natural glow with a rich hydrating cream made of Vitamin B3 and Hemp Seed Oil for skin that is sensitive, or dry.B Quenched
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C helps maintain the skin’s barrier, build collagen and also reduces wrinkles, fine lines, skin roughness and pigmentation. Not all forms of vitamin C in skincare are the same. There is only one pure form and several derivative forms.  The best studied and best evidence is for L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)Â
As our products are evidence-based, we have used L-Ascorbic Acid for the Vitamin C in our Reverse C Serum, C Forte and C Serum Lite to ensure it has all the benefits of Vitamin C.Â
Hydrate and brighten your skin with this 16% L-Ascorbic Acid Serum. Vitamin C's sun damage reversing abilities are boosted when Vitamin E is added. Adding Ferulic Acid boosts it to still further for your best glow.C Forte
A powerful anti-oxidant serum that hydrates, repairs the visible signs of ageing and protects the skin against further damage.Reverse C Serum
Vitamin C in its most potent form to repair the visible signs of ageing, and to protect the skin against further sun damage.C Serum Lite
Creating an effective evidence based anti-aging range is why we started ESK. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the ingredients with the best evidence for managing wrinkles are found in ESK products.
References
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