A simple Google search and you will quickly discover that antioxidants are the bread and butter, the sugar and spice, the soap and water to your full body and skin care routine. These potent little substances can be found everywhere, from that trendy kale salad to the Vitamin C serum on your bathroom counter—so there is practically no excuse to NOT get your daily dose. But even with their buzzworthy status, the benefits of antioxidants can get lost in the mix. Sure, they tell you to use them in your skincare routine, but why? What do they actually do?

You might be happy to learn that the antioxidant popularity is truly founded on fact. These substances are nothing short of a powerhouse, and when used topically on the skin, they can pack quite the punch. Known to help protect the skin from environmental stressors, antioxidants also help reduce the look of dark spots, brighten the look of skin and promote an even skin tone.

Interested? We thought so. Keep on reading to learn more with COSMEDIX ultimate skin care guide on antioxidant ingredients and how you can add them into your daily skin care routine:

First Things First, What Ingredients are High in Antioxidants?

Vitamin B: Also known as Niacinamide—the rising star that we deep dove here—this vitamin is high in antioxidant properties. With a long list of multi-tasking skincare benefits, the specific antioxidants found in this ingredient are known to help protect the skin by improving the natural skin barrier and aiding in healthy skin renewal. Vitamin B is also a great go-to for blemish-prone skin, as it helps balance the look of oil and restores a healthy-looking glow.

Vitamin C: The ultimate brightening bestie, Vitamin C is often found in a variety of citrus fruits like Oranges and Grapefruits. Vitamin C is powered by antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors while brightening the look of skin and improving the overall look of tone and texture.

Vitamin E: Yep, another vitamin. This vitamin is a little sneakier than the others, as you are sure to find it hiding in a surprising number of your cleanser, serum and moisturizing products. Due to its thick texture, Vitamin E is usually added into moisturizing skincare, rather than used alone. There are technically 8 different kinds of Vitamin E, but all you need to know is that they are great for restoring the look of skin and helping to protect skin from environmental stressors.

Green Tea: That’s right—the popular leaves used in the superfood tea are also beneficial to your complexion. Green tea features a plant-based chemical that acts as a natural antioxidant—making it an easy ingredient to spot if you are after extra antioxidant protection. Often found in refreshing skincare products, Green Tea not only protects the skin from environmental stressors, but also helps soothe the look of skin and aids in balance oil production.

What Products Should I Add into my Antioxidant Skincare Routine?

Balancing Toner| Don’t underestimate the power of a skincare toner. An Antioxidant Infused Toner makes it easy to spray your way to an added dose of skin-loving ingredients. COSMEDIX Benefit Balance is formulated with a blend of Green Tea, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera to help give you an extra layer of protection from environmental stressors while locking in moisture.

Antioxidant Serum | Start your day off with an antioxidant boost using an Antioxidant Firming Serum. Powered by Vitamin E and Spin Trap, Affirm serum is a supercharged “multivitamin in a bottle” that helps improve the look of an uneven skin tone and promote a firmer-looking complexion.

Vitamin C Booster |Using Vitamin C Mixing Crystals is a streamlined way to amplify your skin care routine with benefits that are personal to you. Simply sprinkle the Pure C booster into your favorite serum or moisturizer for an extra shot of antioxidants that help reduce the look of dark spots and protect the complexion for a healthier, brighter-looking glow.