Antioxidants and Your Skin: Why They Matter More Than You Think
When it comes to skincare, few ingredients have the scientific support, real-world impact, and preventative power of antioxidants. Whether you’re concerned about sun damage, fine lines, dullness, or inflammation, antioxidants offer a powerful line of defence — and are a cornerstone of many of the routines we build for clients at our Port Melbourne clinic.
But what exactly are antioxidants, and why are they so important for your skin?
What Are Antioxidants in Skincare?
Antioxidants are molecules that protect your skin from free radicals — unstable compounds generated by UV exposure, pollution, stress, and other environmental factors. Free radicals can damage skin cells, accelerate ageing, and impair the skin barrier over time.
Antioxidants work by neutralising these free radicals before they can do harm. In skincare, antioxidants come in the form of topical serums, creams, and even sunscreens, offering targeted protection and repair.
Common Signs of Free Radical Damage
Dullness or uneven skin tone
Fine lines and wrinkles
Redness and inflammation
Loss of firmness
Hyperpigmentation
If you’re seeing any of these signs — especially if you live in an urban environment — your skin is likely under oxidative stress, and could benefit from antioxidant support.
Why Antioxidants Are Essential for Skin Health
At Platinum Cosmetics, we often describe antioxidants as “skin insurance.” They don’t just improve the look of your skin today — they help preserve its long-term health.
Antioxidants:
Help prevent premature ageing
Improve skin tone and clarity
Calm inflammation and reduce sensitivity
Enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen
Support collagen and elastin production
Incorporating antioxidant skincare is one of the most effective steps you can take for prevention and repair, particularly if you’re receiving treatments like laser rejuvenation, facials, or skin peels.
Our Go-To: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
When it comes to clinical-grade antioxidant serums, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is widely regarded as the gold standard. Backed by decades of research, this formula combines 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid.
Why does it matter?
15% Vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals, brightens the complexion, and supports collagen production.
Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
Ferulic Acid boosts the stability and efficacy of both vitamins C and E.
Clients at our Port Melbourne clinic often report a visible improvement in skin tone, firmness, and radiance after just a few weeks of using this serum consistently.
You can explore this product and more in our curated Skin Care range.
When to Apply Antioxidants
Most antioxidant serums, including C E Ferulic, are best applied in the morning after cleansing and before moisturiser and SPF. This ensures your skin is shielded during the day, when UV exposure and pollution are highest.
If you’re also using treatments like retinoids or exfoliating acids at night, antioxidants help buffer the skin and reduce irritation, making them a smart addition to almost any routine.
Complementing Antioxidants with In-Clinic Treatments
Topical antioxidants work even better when paired with skin treatments designed to improve absorption, stimulate collagen, or repair damaged tissue. At Platinum Cosmetics, we often recommend combining antioxidant skincare with:
Fotona Laser Treatments: Enhance cellular repair and reduce pigmentation
Advanced Facials: Support antioxidant penetration with massage and hydration
Microneedling: Improve product absorption and trigger skin renewal
LED Light Therapy: Calm inflammation and support antioxidant action
Learn more about our personalised approach to Facials or explore our advanced Skin Rejuvenation options.
Can You Layer Antioxidants with Other Actives?
Yes — but with care. Antioxidants can usually be used alongside other actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and sunscreen. However, combining them with retinoids or exfoliating acids in the same routine may require adjustment depending on your skin’s tolerance.
We offer tailored skincare consultations at our Port Melbourne clinic to help you create a safe, effective routine that works with your treatments, skin type, and goals.
Contact us to book a consultation today.
In Summary
Antioxidants are not just a trend — they’re a science-backed way to protect your skin from environmental damage, enhance your glow, and future-proof your results.
Whether you’re using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, pairing antioxidant skincare with laser treatments, or just getting started with prevention, our team at Platinum Cosmetics is here to help.
We believe that skin health should be both proactive and personalised. Antioxidants play a key role in that mission — and they might just be the missing step in your skincare strategy.