As the weather warms and our days are filled with outdoor adventures, summer calls for a skincare routine that keeps up with the season’s demands. While sunscreen is your skin’s first line of defence, antioxidants are the secret weapon you need for radiant, healthy summer skin.
Let's explore why antioxidants are indispensable in your summer skincare arsenal and the best ones to include for ultimate protection and nourishment.
The Summer Skin Struggle
Summer’s environmental challenges can take a toll on your skin:
- UV Radiation: Even when wearing sunscreen, UV rays can sneak through and damage your skin cells.
- Pollution: Longer days outdoors expose your skin to free radical damage from pollutants.
- Heat & Dehydration: Higher temperatures can dehydrate your skin, causing dullness and irritation.
Antioxidants are your skin’s defenders, neutralising these stressors to maintain its glow and health.
How Antioxidants Benefit Your Skin
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Neutralise Free Radicals:
Free radicals are unstable molecules caused by UV exposure and pollution. Antioxidants neutralise them, preventing damage to your skin cells. -
Enhance UV Protection:
While not a substitute for sunscreen, antioxidants work alongside SPF to strengthen your skin’s natural defences against harmful rays. -
Soothe and Restore:
Antioxidants reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation caused by sun exposure, helping to repair your skin barrier. -
Boost Brightness:
By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants help fade sunspots and even out skin tone for a luminous complexion.
Top Antioxidant Ingredients
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Vitamin C:
- Brightens skin and fades pigmentation.
- Protects against UV damage and boosts collagen production.
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Vitamin E:
- Deeply hydrates and repairs skin damage.
- Works synergistically with Vitamin C for maximum protection.
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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):
- Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Minimises the appearance of pores and uneven texture.
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Resveratrol:
- Found in grapes and berries, it fights free radicals and supports skin repair.
- Calms redness and irritation caused by heat.
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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):
- Improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
- Energises skin cells and boosts repair processes.
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Ferulic Acid:
- Stabilises and enhances the efficacy of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.
- Provides potent protection against free radicals.
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Kakadu Plum Extract:
- A natural source of Vitamin C, this Australian botanical brightens and protects the skin.
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Green Tea Extract:
- Rich in polyphenols, it soothes and protects against environmental stress.
- Ideal for calming sunburned or irritated skin.
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Astaxanthin:
- A powerful antioxidant derived from algae.
- Improves skin hydration, smoothness, and elasticity.
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Alpha Lipoic Acid:
- A universal antioxidant that works in both water- and oil-based environments.
- Fights fine lines and promotes an even skin tone.
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Sea Buckthorn Oil:
- Rich in Vitamin E and beta-carotene, it hydrates and repairs damaged skin.
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Beta-Carotene (Pro-Vitamin A):
- Protects skin from oxidative stress and supports cell turnover.
How to Use Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine
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Morning Defense:
- Start with an antioxidant serum after cleansing to prep your skin for the day.
- Follow with sunscreen to create a powerful protective barrier.
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Evening Recovery:
- Use antioxidant-rich serums, moisturisers or oils to repair and replenish skin overnight.
- Consider products with soothing ingredients like green tea or niacinamide for post-sun recovery.
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Weekly Treatments:
- Incorporate masks or exfoliators with antioxidant ingredients to give your skin an extra boost.
Our Antioxidant-Packed Heroes
At Dillon, we craft products that combine powerful antioxidants with nourishing botanicals to give your skin the care it deserves:
- Luminary · Active Botanical Brightening Serum: Infused with Kakadu Plum Cellular Extract, Finger Lime Caviar, and Desert Lime, it brightens and evens out your complexion while reducing age spots.
- Hyperion · Barrier Support Antioxidant Oil: A luxurious blend of antioxidant-rich oils like Grape Seed, Kakadu Plum Seed, and Juniper Berry to hydrate, protect, and revitalise your skin.
Shine Bright This Summer
Antioxidants are the ultimate skincare multitaskers, protecting your skin while keeping it radiant and refreshed all summer long. Whether you’re lounging at the beach or navigating city streets, these powerful ingredients are your key to healthy, glowing skin.
