The antioxidant is a key part of anti aging treatments. Antioxidants are one of the most effective treatments for the skin. They are vitamins, amino acids and other natural substances that neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals (cell membrane attackers) and help skin cope with the damaging effects of environmental influences. Aging or sun-damaged skin needs antioxidants topically and orally.

Vitamin C - strengthens the white blood cells and immune system, and is essential for producing collagen. Vitamin C is needed for proper repair of skin and tissues. Vitamin C also supports the healing process of the body and is important in fighting the aging process. It promotes collagen production in the dermal tissue, keeping the skin healthy and firm.

Vitamin A - Supports the overall health of the skin. This vitamin aids in the functioning and repair of skin cells. Vitamin A can help prevent certain types of cancers, including skin cancer, and has been shown to improve the skin's elasticity and thickness.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) - used in conjunction with vitamin A, helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays. Vitamin E also helps to heal damage to tissues when used both internally and externally. When used externally in topical lotions and creams, vitamin E can help heal structural damage to the skin, including severe burns and stretch marks.

Grapeseed Extract - A powerful antioxidant, grapeseed has soothing properties.

Green Tea - A powerful antioxidant and soothing agent. It is antibacterial, anti-inflamatory, and a stimulant. Green tea is helpful for cuperose skin. Green tea also is an excellent everday of help for microcirculation problems. It contains polyphenols (strong antioxidants), essential oils, salts, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, flouride, vitamins A, B and C and caffine. It is one of the best antioxidants available, and provides effective lipid penetration. It is anti-irritant and provides UV protection.

Vitamin C ester - Vitamin C, joined by a chemical ester bond with a fatty acid derived from palm oil (palmitic acid). Vitamin C ester stimulates fibroblasts, cells that produce collagen and elastin.

Alpha lipoic acid - a natural molecule found in every cell in the body. It is a powerful antioxidant that increases the effect of other antioxidants and cellular metabolism. It is also anti-inflammatory, which reduces redness.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) - An antioxidant that stabilizes cell membranes. It also boosts the effectiveness of other antioxidants. DMAE increases chemicals that control muscles tone, which improves the appearance of sagging skin.

A combination of alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C ester, DMAE, and glycolic acid is one of the most effective formulas to combat premature aging. Be sure topicals have high-tech delivery systems. These are ingredients that carry or deliver the ingredients effectively to the skin.

Antioxidants can help prevent wrinkles, promote skin healing and reduce formation of scar tissue (pre/post surgery). Vitamins A and E (fat-soluble) protect the cell membrane and phospholipid structure. Vitamins C (water-soluble) guards the inside of cells and DNA.

Information in the article is based on Milady's Standard Fundamentals for Estheticians, 9th edition, by Joel Gerson.