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How do I Choose the Best Antioxidant Serum?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

When choosing an antioxidant serum, it is important to consider all of one's skin care needs instead of focusing on simply applying antioxidants to the skin. In so doing, one will be able to invest in a skin care product that is effective in a number of ways. Begin with an analysis of the skin. A professional analysis can be completed by a dermatologist or a aesthetician, but most people can complete a skin type analysis by simply spending a few minutes peering into their bathroom mirrors. The skin should be analyzed for hydration level, sensitivity, and specific needs.

In most cases, an antioxidant serum will hydrate the skin in addition to delivering antioxidants to the skin. If the skin feels tight or stings after an antioxidant serum is applied, however, the serum may be drying out the skin. This will most likely occur when the serum is applied to skin that is very dry. If this occurs, it is best to discontinue use and search for an antioxidant serum that offers a better level of hydration.

Some serums contain green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some serums contain green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tightness, stinging, or burning may also occur if an antioxidant serum is applied to skin that is especially sensitive. If this occurs, switch to an antioxidant serum that is gentler on the skin or is hypoallergenic. Instead of investing in a serum just to find that it causes a negative reaction in the skin, test the product before purchasing an entire bottle or tube. Either request a trial size at the store where the product is sold or simply use the tester that is available in the store. Apply a small amount of the serum to the skin on the inside of the wrist to make sure that it does not cause a reaction.

Some believe that antioxidant creams and serums may help reduce the occurrence of spider veins.
Some believe that antioxidant creams and serums may help reduce the occurrence of spider veins.

In addition to finding an antioxidant serum for one's skin type, it is also possible to find an antioxidant serum that is formulated to treat certain skin issues. A person who is battling acne, for example, might search for a serum that helps to heal blemishes and curb the occurrence of new breakouts. A person who is trying to create a more youthful complexion can search for an antioxidant serum that is formulated to help fade uneven skin tone, especially in areas that may have become marked with age spots. Serums that are formulated with natural ingredients such as vitamin C and marshmallow extract are considered to be especially good at fading age spots and scars.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Some serums contain green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Some serums contain green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Some believe that antioxidant creams and serums may help reduce the occurrence of spider veins.
      By: hriana
      Some believe that antioxidant creams and serums may help reduce the occurrence of spider veins.
    • Creams that contain an antioxidant serum can be used to hide blemishes and scars.
      By: red150770
      Creams that contain an antioxidant serum can be used to hide blemishes and scars.
    • Any anti-aging, antioxidant serum must be used consistently in order to see results.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Any anti-aging, antioxidant serum must be used consistently in order to see results.
    • Those with severe acne may use antioxidant products designed to treat current breakouts as well as reduce the appearance of scarring.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Those with severe acne may use antioxidant products designed to treat current breakouts as well as reduce the appearance of scarring.
    • An antioxidant serum may hydrate the skin in addition to delivering antioxidants.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      An antioxidant serum may hydrate the skin in addition to delivering antioxidants.