These 3 Antioxidants Combat Dullness & Tired Skin—In Case You Need A Little Glowing

I don’t know about you, but every year around this time my skin starts looking pretty dull and tired. Between the dry air that sucks my skin of moisture, the busy schedule that leaves me looking exhausted, and the change in weather that makes my skin ultra sensitive, my complexion takes a major hit. 

While I certainly rely on thick, calming topical products to help soothe my skin, I also know I need to increase my antioxidant intake. Antioxidants can help fight free radicals, calm inflammation, and improve the overall appearance of lackluster skin. The best part? You’re supporting your skin from the inside out. 

And Vitamin E protects against collagen cross-linking2, where collagen becomes hard and stiff3 and leads to skin aging. So if you’re dealing with tired, sagging, aging skin, vitamin C and E are two ingredients to add to your routine ASAP. 

They also work synergistically to make each other stronger. For example, one study even found that vitamin E increases vitamin C's effectiveness4 eightfold; on the other hand, vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after the latter scavenges free radicals, further reducing oxidative stress1 to cell membranes.

Astaxanthin is sometimes called the “King of the Carotenoids” as it’s one of the most effective antioxidants around. The nutrient is found in some times of red algae and marine life, such as salmon or crabs. 

You can find it in skin care products, but it’s perhaps best used as a supplement—as scores of research shows the antioxidant can address several skin conditions from the inside out. 

While this superfood extract is somewhat under-the-radar, it won’t be for much longer thanks to new research highlighting its potential to improve the complexion. 

For example, a randomized, double-blind, controlled study8 found that participants who took 100 mg daily saw a statistically significant increase in skin radiance—9.2% after 14 days and 18.5% after 56 days.