Antioxidants – Prevention of skin photoaging | What you need to know

07.08.2025

Skin photoaging and antioxidants

Despite the many benefits of sunlight, it can also have harmful effects on the body, one example of which is skin aging. However, there are beneficial substances, such as antioxidants, that enhance the skin's defenses against harmful factors.

Table of Contents

Sun-induced oxidative stress

The skin aging process depends on many factors, including genetics, metabolism, hormonal changes, etc. However, environmental factors usually accelerate this process.

Sunlight is the most important factor in skin aging. 80% of the aging process of facial skin is caused by sunlight. Exposure to sunlight causes the skin to become rougher, looser, and darker, which has biochemical foundations:

The sun's ultraviolet radiation activates reactive oxygen species in the skin – free radicals. Small amounts of free radicals are not dangerous to health.
The accumulation of free radicals causes oxidative stress, which disrupts the balance between free radicals and natural antioxidants. This disrupts the normal function of skin cells and causes damage. Oxidative stress occurs in all skin types and colors.
In skin cells damaged by oxidative stress, the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins decreases. The process of skin cell renewal also slows down. Over time, this causes wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging.

antioxidants

The only way to reduce the damaging effects of oxidative stress is with antioxidants. When the body's natural antioxidants cannot cope with oxidative stress, natural remedies can be beneficial:

Carotenoids and flavonoids in fruits and vegetables, which are especially abundant in berries, peppers, tomatoes, green tea, carrots, and other products, are particularly beneficial for maintaining the skin's protective function.
Vitamins with antioxidant properties, such as: A, B3 (niacin), C, E
Dietary supplements containing coenzyme Q10, polyphenols, resveratrol, and other ingredients
Creams and lotions containing compounds important for the skin
Use of sunscreens with SPF filters

Prevention

The process of skin aging is not only a cosmetic issue, but also a health problem. Thin, aging skin is more susceptible to injury, slow-healing wounds, and infection. It also increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Antioxidants are only one part of the sun protection equation, and their use does not eliminate the need for other means of protection, such as sun-protective clothing, shade, and sunscreen.

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