Do Antioxidants Really Brighten Skin?

Most of us know that without adequate protection from harsh external aggressors such as the sun and environmental pollution, the skin will start to show signs of dullness, age spots and pigmentation over time.

The impact of 2800 different chemical substances that are systematically released into the air now necessitates protection beyond sunscreen. Environmental pollutants increase features of extrinsic aging including pigmentation, reduced collagen synthesis, increased collagen breakdown, laxity, hydration, wrinkling and inflammation and are associated with pathological skin manifestations, including allergic reactions, rashes, eczema and acne; all processes that wreak havoc on your complexion.

The beauty industry is at the forefront of a revolution, pioneering new formulations and developing ingredients that have the ability to act at a molecular level within the skin to enable your true inner beauty to shine through.

Below are a few of the ingredients that you need to know and how to take full advantage of their brightening powers.

Vitamin C is one of only a few molecules (Vitamin A and B3 are the others) to make it past your skin's upper layers and get inside collagen-making cells to visibly improve your complexion. The skin is naturally equipped with Vitamin C receptors to recognise this molecule and draw it towards the nucleus of the cell to produce collagen up to eight-fold maintain the skins structure and functioning against environmental assaults. 

The brightening powers of Vitamin C are attributed to the ability to inhibit the activity of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in response to UV radiation. The concern with regular Vitamin C is that it is water-soluble and notoriously unstable. A new form, called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, is more stable and oil-soluble, so it's much easier for the skin to absorb and is also more aligned to the natural pH of the skin. 

Recently niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has come into the spotlight for its brightening powers. Most skin brighteners inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase that plays an important part in melanin production, however niacinamide works differently. For the cosmetic science nerds, niacinamide blocks the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes into keratinocytes by inhibiting keratinocyte factors, producing a skin lightening effect and reducing pigmentation.

Aside from this intelligent skincare ingredients ability to reduce pigmentation, niacinamide also influences the skins behaviour to inflammation, normalising the skin’s appearance, including reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, pigmented spots, red blotchiness, skin roughness, skin sallowness, as well as improved elasticity and increased moisturising factors.

The net result of topical Vitamin B3 is calm, clear skin and a healthy glow. Our Immortelle B3 Serum combines a high potency of niacinamide with hyaluronic acid and plant compounds of Gotu kola, White tea and Ginseng to specifically promote a glowing complexion.

By including these intelligent ingredients in your daily skincare routine, you can provide your skin with the tools it needs to achieve a clear natural glow as well as fortify it against damage from environmental pollution and UV damage.

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