What Exactly Is Oxidative Stress In Skin – And What Really Helps? 

You’ve heard ads, TikTokkers and lab coats talk about oxidative stress in skin and how it can cause wrinkles, uneven skin tone and premature ageing (yikes!). But what are you meant to do about it – and what’s the deal with oxidation, anyway? 

Meet the experts: Dr Alek Nikolic is a renowned specialist in aesthetic medicine and founder of SkinMiles, an online skincare destination. 

What Is Oxidative Stress In The Skin?

Simply put, oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance of oxidation and antioxidants in the body, which is triggered by an overwhelmed antioxidant defence system. They’re caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Basically: too many baddies, not enough heroes, making your skin behave like a world after Thanos snapped his fingers. Oxidative stress contributes to ageing, alongside your normal, natural bodily wind-down as you grow older. Once your antioxidant system is overwhelmed (think: obliterated by Thanos), oxidative stress in skin can cause irreversible damage to cells. 

And, since our skin is the first thing to interact with the world, it takes on the full brunt of a toxic environment. In your skin, oxidative stress can create hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and rough skin texture.  According to aesthetic specialist Dr Alek Nikolic, oxidative stress is behind around 80% of premature skin ageing. “It speeds up fine lines, loss of firmness, pigmentation problems, and can even worsen conditions like acne and rosacea,” he adds. 

What Triggers Oxidative Stress? 

South Africa experiences some of the highest UV index ratings globally, particularly in summer, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. Our gorgeous sunny skies in SA have high levels of UV radiation all year round, with academics linking UVs to an increased risk of several eye and skin diseases among people who work outdoors. And, skincare experts agree that UV radiation is one of the main factors that creates oxidative stress in skin. But that’s not all. Environmental pollutants can also dent your skin’s defences, along with alcohol and cigarettes, blue light (yes, from your phone!) and of course, chronic stress. 

READ MORE: What Is Oxidative Stress? Causes And How To Reduce It, According To Experts

How Can You Tell If Your Skin Has Oxidative Stress? 

There is no diagnostic test for OS, but if you pay attention, there are telltale signs, says Dr Nikolic: 

• Dullness – caused by dead skin cells piling up faster than renewed ones
• Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone 
• Unexpected, premature fine lines 
• Less bouncy skin 
• Higher sensitivity and frequent breakouts

If you nodded your head to two or more of these signs, your skin might need to bolster its defences. 

How To Prevent Oxidative Stress

While you can’t single-handedly patch up the Earth’s broken ozone layer or plug pollution, you can take steps to protect your body from OS. 

Protect yourself from the sun

Sun protection is every dermatologist’s first line of attack against UV damage. That means a powerful, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from UVA, UVB and blue light damage. An SPF of at least 30 is crucial, especially in South Africa’s environment. And, the power is in frequent application, especially when sweating, swimming or directly under the sun. 

Top-Shelf Sunscreens For South Africans  

We rate these carry-on sunscreens for easy, on-the-go application 

READ MORE: Dermatologists Say You Should Never Combine These Skincare Ingredients

Avoid pollutants 

While you can’t (healthily) lock yourself indoors forever, you can avoid pollutants like cigarette smoke, alcohol and excessive blue light. 

Eat protective foods 

Load up your diet with antioxidant-rich food like berries, leafy greens, beans and seeds. Antioxidants aren’t limited to vitamin C: think vitamin E (nuts), polyphenols (rooibos), and Vitamin A (carrots). 

Use antioxidant skincare 

Antioxidant skincare is a crucial tool in fighting oxidative stress directly on the skin’s surface. To extend our MCU analogy further, antioxidants function as the “Avengers” that neutralise the “baddies,” or free radicals, responsible for oxidative stress. The bigger the cavalry, the faster Thanos falls. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, replenish skin reserves of antioxidants and brighten and repair skin. Apply in the morning before exposure to fight actively, and then at night to repair. Look for these powered-up ingredients: 

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) 

Potent free radical scavenger, boosts collagen production, brightens skin tone.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

This antioxidant works synergistically with Vitamin C, moisturises and protects cell membranes.

Ferulic Acid

This powerful antioxidant is found in plant cell walls, particularly in grains and fruits like rice, oats, and apples (who knew?). It enhances the stability and efficacy of Vitamin C and E, and offers strong free radical protection.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Reduces inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, and has mild antioxidant properties. 

Resveratrol

Powerful polyphenol antioxidant, helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Green Tea Extract

Contains polyphenols (catechins) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Antioxidant skincare

These products work wonders to repair damaged skin: 

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