Product and Treatment Education – June 07, 2025
Topical Antioxidants: The Vitamins Your Skin Will Thank You For!
Topical antioxidants are your skin's best friend!
Your skin deserves just as much nourishment as the rest of your body - and that’s where topical antioxidants come in.
These powerhouse serums, packed with skin-loving vitamins like C and E, don’t just hydrate - they help protect against environmental damage, support healthy collagen, and even repair the visible effects of sun exposure.
At Nuala Woulfe, we believe in a holistic, 360° approach to skincare. That includes feeding the skin externally with high-performance formulations containing antioxidants and vitamins like C, E, and ferulic acid - all of which work in synergy to improve skin health, luminosity, and resilience.
The Power of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is a must-have in any serious skincare routine. Specifically, L-ascorbic acid - the purest form of vitamin C - offers powerful antioxidant protection. It helps fight damage caused by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Over time, vitamin C can improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.
Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it especially helpful for reducing redness, dark spots, and irritation. For best results, apply a vitamin C serum every morning before SPF.
Can I Combine Vitamin C with Other Ingredients?
Yes - and in fact, certain combinations are particularly effective:
Vitamin C + Retinol: These two complement each other beautifully. Vitamin C protects during the day; retinol works at night to boost cell turnover. For sensitive skin, start slowly and introduce each product gradually.
Vitamin C + Niacinamide: This pairing can help brighten the skin and reduce discolouration.
Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid: A hydrating powerhouse. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, helping it appear plumper and more radiant. It's especially good for dry or sensitive skin types. Furthermore, hylarunoic acid is a humectant, here is a link to new research demonstrating how humectants work by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules which proves how they are crucial ingredients, particularly for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34228831/
Vitamin C + Salicylic Acid: Ideal for blemish-prone skin. Vitamin C should be applied first to avoid irritation. Salicylic acid works deep within the pores to clear congestion and reduce acne over time. Just remember - products containing salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily SPF is a must. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that salicylic acid is a common treatment for acne because it can target the buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface that lead to blocked pores and later down the line, breakouts.
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol): The Skin’s Moisturising Shield
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant naturally found in foods like vegetable oils and nuts. On the skin, it helps neutralise free radicals, improve hydration, and support the skin’s barrier function. Alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E, absorbs easily and works especially well in combination with other antioxidants — particularly vitamin C.
Together, vitamins C and E create a synergistic antioxidant defense that’s stronger than either alone.
Ferulic Acid: A Plant-Powered Boost
Ferulic acid is another antioxidant that works beautifully alongside vitamins C and E. Found in plant cell walls, this ingredient helps stabilize and enhance the effectiveness of other antioxidants while neutralising damage caused by environmental aggressors. It’s best applied in the morning to protect the skin throughout the day.
Why Choose SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Serums?
Not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, founder of SkinCeuticals, pioneered the science behind stabilising vitamin C in skincare, leading to the creation of
the Duke Antioxidant Patent Parameters.
According to these standards, for a topical vitamin
C serum to be effective, it must contain:
Pure L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
At a concentration of 10–20%
Formulated at a pH between 2.0–3.5
These standards ensure maximum penetration and effectiveness.
SkinCeuticals’ antioxidant serums are backed by clinical research and remain effective for up to 72 hours after application.
SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Serums: Which One is Right for You?
C E Ferulic
Best for: Dry, mature skin with visible signs of ageing.
15% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
1% Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
0.5% Ferulic Acid
Once absorbed, remains effective for72 hours!
Benefits:✔ Reduces fine lines by up to 27%✔ Reduces wrinkles by 36%✔ Protects against pollution and sun-induced free radical damage
Phloretin CF
Best for: Uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and sun damage.
10% Pure Vitamin C
2% Phloretin
0.5% Ferulic Acid
Once absorbed, remains effective for 72 hours
Benefits:✔ Improves skin tone by 20%✔ Increases radiance by 27%✔ Reduces discolouration by 16%
Silymarin CF
Best for: Oily, blemish-prone skin.
15% Pure Vitamin C
0.5% Ferulic Acid
0.5% Silymarin
0.5% Salicylic Acid
Once absorbed, remains effective for 72 hours
Benefits:
✔ Reduces blemishes by 27%✔ Controls oil oxidation: Reducing it by up to 76%✔ Refines texture and improves clarity
✔ Reduces oiliness by up to 16% in one week
Serum 10 AOX+
Best for: Sensitive or reactive skin, or those new to antioxidants.
10% L-Ascorbic Aci
0.2% Ferulic Acid
Benefits:
✔ Calms and soothes✔ Reduces fine lines✔ Strengthens skin’s resilience to environmental stress
The Final Step: Don’t Forget SPF!
Topical antioxidants like vitamin C are incredibly effective - but they work best when combined with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. At Nuala Woulfe, we recommend layering your antioxidant serum under a high-quality SPF 50 every morning. This combination provides powerful protection against environmental aggressors while supporting a healthy, radiant complexion.
In Summary
Topical antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid can dramatically enhance your skin's health and appearance. When chosen correctly and applied consistently, they protect, brighten, hydrate, and visibly improve your skin over time.
Our clinic was one of the first in Ireland to stock SkinCeuticals, and we remain proud to be recognised as their flagship Irish partner. Our approach is always personalised, rooted in science, and focused on sustainable, healthy skin from the inside out.
Ready to elevate your skincare routine?Drop by our clinic or contact us for a personalised consultation. We’re happy to help you choose the antioxidant serum that best suits your skin type and goals.
