'Generation Z' Antioxidants

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: July 30, 2009, from the August 2009 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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Antioxidants and Synergism
Salmon adds that a combination of antioxidants is perhaps the best way to fully address skin issues. She references CE Ferulic, a serum formulated by SkinCeuticals, a L’Oréal brand. The synergistic effect of L-ascorbic acid (15%), alpha tocopherol (1%) and ferulic acid is especially beneficial in skin care, according to Salmon.

“When you combine different antioxidants, they synergize. Vitamin C helps to quench free radicals in the water component of the body, while vitamin E quenches free radicals in the fat part of the body,” said Salmon.

In the end, Salmon likens antioxidant treatments for the skin to nutrition for the body. “You wouldn’t just eat broccoli, you eat a variety of vegetables because they work better together than alone.”

References
1. Merriam-Webster Online, www.merriam-webster.com/medical/ergothioneine (Accessed Jun 16, 2009)
2. KK Dong, N Damaghi, J Kibitel, MT Canning, KA Smiles and DB Yarosh, A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L-ergothioneine and idebenone, J Cosm Derm 6(3) 183–188 (2007)
3. http://live.psu.edu/story/13294 (Accessed Jun 16, 2009)
4. A Greatens, RE Boissy and DL Bissett, Niacinamide: Dose response and reversibility of inhibition of melanosome transfer, The Procter & Gamble Company, American Academy of Dermatology proceedings (2003)