What is the role of antioxidants in skincare?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in skincare primarily by protecting the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules created through various environmental factors, such as UV radiation, pollution, and stress. These molecules can cause oxidative stress, leading to premature aging, skin damage, and various skin conditions.

By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants help to minimize this damage, preserving the integrity of the skin's cells and supporting overall skin health. Common antioxidants found in skincare products include vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and Coenzyme Q10, each of which contributes to the skin's defense against environmental aggressors.

While other choices mention important aspects of skincare, such as moisturizing, enhancing tone and texture, and promoting cell turnover, they do not specifically address the protective function that antioxidants provide against oxidative stress and free radical damage, which is their primary benefit in skincare.