Antioxidant serums are skincare products formulated with ingredients that have protective properties against free radicals and external stressors such as pollution and UV radiation. Some common antioxidant ingredients include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (retinol), glycerin, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Antioxidant face serums help to neutralise free radicals - unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to signs of premature ageing. They also deliver anti-ageing benefits to improve skin texture and radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin.

The best antioxidant serum for you will depend on your skin type and concerns. We recommend seeking advice from a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the right antioxidant serum to address your specific skin concerns and needs. Read on to learn more about SkinCeuticals' antioxidants for different skin types: - For ageing or sun-damaged skin: Antioxidant serums with a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Face Serum, can help to protect the skin from environmental damage as well as visibly improve the skin texture and radiance. - For dry or dehydrated skin: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful antioxidant with the ability to bond water to tissue, such as HA Intensifier Face Serum, making it a good choice for dry skin. For effective anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits, pair it with the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Face Serum in our Anti Ageing Skin Routine Set. - For oily or acne-prone skin: Lightweight and oil-free face serums are recommended, such as the Silymarin C F Face Serum, to help reduce oil oxidation that can result in breakouts and visible signs of ageing. - For sensitive skin: Antioxidant serums suited for sensitive skin should have a gentle formula, such as the Serum 10 AOX Face Serum, which includes 10% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) and 0.2% ferulic acid to protect sensitive skin against free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Vitamin C serums are often referred to as antioxidant serums due to their ability to protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. While vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, not all antioxidant serums contain vitamin C. However, many antioxidant serums do contain vitamin C as it is a potent antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from environmental damage and brighten the complexion. Read our guide to using vitamin C serums.

You can start using antioxidant face serums from your early 20s, keeping in mind that the key step in anti-ageing skincare is prevention. Whilst they are usually recommended for people with ageing or sun-damaged skin, antioxidant skincare can also be beneficial for younger skin to prevent visible signs of ageing from its early stages. Supplying your skin with antioxidants can help to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, thus making antioxidant serums one of the best skincare products for a young adult. However, we recommend to seek advice from a skincare professional for any concerns about using antioxidants for the skin.

It is important to follow the specific instructions provided for an antioxidant serum product, as they may vary depending on the product and its ingredients. Here are some general guidelines for when and how to use antioxidant serums for face: - When to use: Antioxidant serums can be used in the morning and/or evening, depending on your skincare routine and the specific products being used. Similar to most face serums, they are applied to the skin after cleansing and toning, but before moisturising. For day use, we recommend antioxidant serums with vitamin C to protect skin from environmental damage and sun damage. For night use, the Resveratrol B E Night Serum contains resveratrol to help restore balance and strength to the skin during sleep. - How to use: Apply a small amount of the serum to your clean, dry face, avoiding the eye area. Gently massage the serum into your skin using circular motions until it is fully absorbed. Follow up with your face moisturiser and/or sunscreen as needed. If you are using multiple serums or treatments, apply the antioxidant serum first to ensure it is able to fully penetrate the skin and provide maximum protection. When using an antioxidant serum in the morning, always follow with a broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to protect your skin from further sun damage. Important note: Always patch test any new product on a small area of your skin before applying it to your entire face to avoid any potential allergic reactions, or consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for any concerns.