Antioxidant Serums: Why They’re Essential in Any Skin Routine
When people think of anti-ageing skincare, they often jump straight to retinol or sunscreen. And while both are crucial, there’s another category of products that deserves just as much attention — antioxidant serums. These potent formulations help protect your skin from environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation, and support long-term skin health.
At Platinum Cosmetics in Port Melbourne, we consistently recommend antioxidant serums as a core part of any skin care routine — especially SkinCeuticals, which has set the gold standard in this space.
What Are Antioxidants in Skincare?
Antioxidants are compounds that neutralise free radicals — unstable molecules that damage cells and accelerate skin ageing. Free radicals are generated by exposure to UV light, pollution, smoke, stress, and even some internal metabolic processes.
Over time, this damage contributes to visible signs of ageing: dullness, fine lines, uneven tone, and reduced firmness. Antioxidants help protect your skin at a cellular level by neutralising these free radicals before they cause harm.
Why Antioxidant Serums Matter
Unlike cleansers or moisturisers, serums are formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin. Antioxidant serums in particular are best applied in the morning, before sunscreen, to create a protective barrier against daily environmental stressors.
Daily use of a well-formulated antioxidant serum can:
Prevent premature ageing
Support natural collagen production
Reduce inflammation and redness
Improve skin brightness and evenness
Enhance your skin’s resilience over time
Why We Recommend SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals has long been considered the benchmark in antioxidant skincare. Their formulas are based on extensive clinical research and optimised for pH, concentration, and stability — all factors that determine whether an antioxidant serum will actually work.
The most popular product in this category is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which combines 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid. This specific combination not only neutralises free radicals but also enhances the protective effects of sunscreen and helps stimulate collagen synthesis.
Other options include:
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF: Ideal for oily or discolouration-prone skin
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF: A great fit for acne-prone skin
SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E: A night-time antioxidant for added repair
How to Layer Antioxidants in Your Routine
Antioxidants should be applied after cleansing and before moisturiser and sunscreen. Because they act at a cellular level, it’s important not to dilute them with heavy products layered on top too early.
A basic antioxidant-focused routine could look like this:
Gentle cleanse
Apply 4–5 drops of antioxidant serum to dry skin
Moisturiser if needed
Sunscreen (every day, without fail)
In the evening, your routine might include active ingredients like retinol or AHAs, but antioxidants are best reserved for morning use when exposure to environmental stress is highest.
Not All Antioxidants Are Equal
It’s worth noting that not all antioxidant products are created equal. For an antioxidant serum to work, it needs to:
Contain the right form of the antioxidant (e.g., L-ascorbic acid, not just any “vitamin C”)
Be stabilised so it doesn’t oxidise or degrade before you use it
Be formulated at a pH that allows skin penetration
Have a concentration high enough to deliver benefits — but not so high it causes irritation
SkinCeuticals serums are clinically tested and meet all of these criteria, which is why we trust and stock them at our Port Melbourne clinic.
Best Paired With In-Clinic Treatments
Antioxidant serums aren’t just for prevention — they can also support recovery and enhance results from in-clinic treatments. For example, after a Fotona laser treatment or skin rejuvenation session, antioxidant serums can help calm the skin, reduce oxidative stress, and support faster recovery.
Finding the Right Serum for You
Choosing the right antioxidant serum should depend on your skin type, concerns, and goals. That’s why we always recommend starting with a consultation. Our dermal clinicians can assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate product, whether you’re managing pigmentation, early signs of ageing, or just want a stronger skin barrier.
You can explore our Skin Care collection online or visit us at our Port Melbourne clinic for personalised guidance.
Final Thoughts
Adding an antioxidant serum to your routine is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect and future-proof your skin. At Platinum Cosmetics, we stand by evidence-based skincare that works — and SkinCeuticals antioxidant serums continue to lead the way.
If you’re ready to build a routine that supports both in-clinic results and long-term skin health, we’re here to help.
Book a consultation via our Contact page and let’s find the right antioxidant solution for your skin.