How to Mix Antioxidants to Make Them Work Better

Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD is one of those people who will stop you in the street (in the nicest way possible) to make sure you’re wearing SPF. She’s also a big advocate of pairing antioxidants with sunscreen every morning—rain or shine.

“I personally use and recommend antioxidants as a foundation for a healthy skin-care regimen,” says Dr. Houshmand, adding that she likes applying them every morning.

While the science isn’t totally simple, the main benefit of antioxidants is: “Topical antioxidants neutralize free radicals,” she explains. “We are exposed to these in the environments where we live in pollution, stress and photodamage.”

Plus, like most things, the overarching category of several antioxidants just work better together. “There are quite a few antioxidants that blend well together in their formulation to give the most efficacious results.”

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Classifying it as a “splurge” that is worth it, like many other devotees, Dr. Houshmand says this serum is a forever favorite. “It’s a triple antioxidant treatment. It has 15% l-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and 0.5% ferulic acid, which is a plant-based antioxidant,” she explains. “This is one of my favorites because the synergy of these three ingredients in the correct dose boosts the antioxidant effect. And this specific blend delivers eight times more environmental protection than vitamin C by itself.”

Phoenix, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal is also a fan of the C-E mix and offers this simple scientific explanation for the duo: “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and the effects of free radicals. Vitamin E is an antioxidant as well and it has healing properties. Vitamin E may stabilize vitamin C and that’s why they are paired together. Just make sure to use your vitamin C in the morning. I recommend coupling it with hyaluronic acid and peptides.”

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Dr. Houshmand says this PTR eye cream contains a “unique combination of antioxidants and supportive ingredients.” And the list of benefits is long: “It helps with daily environmental aggressors and reduces the appearance of fine lines, darkness and elasticity loss from pollution, as well as adverse weather conditions and blue light,” she says. “The antioxidants combo includes Gamma E Antioxidant Technology with 3% Butterfly Ginger Root Extract. Syn-Eye Complex. This combination, in addition to the caffeine, helps diminish the look of puffiness.”

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Pegging it as “accessible and at a good price point,” this derm favorite marks high with positive feedback. Dr. Houshmand uses this 16% vitamin C serum in the morning, followed by sunscreen. “I like it because it is alcohol-free and light. It is also fragrance-free, allergy-tested and certified by dermatologists.”

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“This is such a wonderful formulation with niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, vitamin C and vitamin E,” explains Dr. Houshmand. “It really provides excellent antioxidant protection and skin-barrier repair.”

“Niacinamide can be paired with anything, really,” Dr. Lal says. “It helps with pigmentation and helps restore the skin’s barrier. This should be applied first before any other antioxidants, and it can be used morning and night. It works well with vitamins C and E as well!”

Dr. Lal says Co-Q10 is a powerhouse antioxidant that people don’t often think of. “It helps keep the skin cells youthful and helps strengthen blood vessels. It can be used with vitamins C and E to help improve age-related skin changes. The truth is, most combination products are formulated for stability, so combination formulations are best!”

Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos is also a fan of mixing antioxidants and says these three combos work well in skin care:

Tetrahexadecyl ascorbate (THD) + acetyl zingerone, an antioxidant derived from ginger: “THD is an oil soluble, more stable form of vitamin C. However, it is still subject to oxidative stress. Acetyl zingerone has been shown to further increase stability and antioxidant activity.”

Vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid: This triple threat really does get all the rave reviews. “It provides triple-antioxidant protection,” Dobos says. “The combination is more stable and effective at preventing photodamage than any of the ingredients alone.”

Niacinamide + hexylresorcinol: “This synergistic combination provides superior skin-tone evening and brightening compared to niacinamide alone,” says Dobos.

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