Hello,

This is Martha Thomas, head of customer care for Tree of Life Beauty, and I want to welcome you to our weekly newsletter where we discuss important ways to age gracefully, “how-tos” for keeping skin healthy as you age, and so much more about your skincare regimen.

Please be advised that we are not doctors or dermatologists, and this article should not be taken as medical advice or any medical statement. Any questions or issues involving your skin-care needs should be discussed with a physician, and we highly recommend you consult with your doctor before taking up any skin-care regimen.

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Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and can cause wrinkles. These are lotions, creams, and serums containing antioxidants (vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, and retinol (a form of vitamin A), peptides (copper and growth factors), and alpha and beta hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic).

Here are the most common antioxidants in skin care moisturizers and creams:

Vitamin C -  A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect skin from sun damage. Before and between uses, wrinkle creams containing vitamin C must be stored in a way that protects them from air and sunlight.

Hydroxy Acids - Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and polyhydroxy acids are exfoliants - substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin.

Coenzyme Q10 - This ingredient helps reduce fine wrinkles around the eyes and protect the skin from sun damage.

Tea extracts - Green, black and oolong tea contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea extracts are the ones most commonly found in wrinkle creams.

Niacinamide -  A potent antioxidant, this substance is related to Vitamin B3 (niacin). It helps reduce water loss in the skin and can improve skin elasticity.

Peptides - They go by many names, but pentapeptides and copper peptides are two you might commonly see on an anti-aging cream label. A revolutionary peptide called Matrixyl 3000 has been clinically proven to increase collagen and can help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

How they work:

Antioxidants operate preventively by destroying rogue molecules that break down collagen and make skin more susceptible to wrinkles. Peptides and retinol have been shown to stimulate collagen production. Hydroxy acids exfoliate the top layer of skin, smoothing texture.

Until next time, have a wonderful week!