12 Skin Care Products That Fight Free Radicals Because Your Skin Needs a Hero

Free radicals — we’ve all heard about them and seen at least one or two stories touting how the right products can reduce the effects of the dastardly particles. Yet few of us know what free radicals actually are. Before we move on to our radical-fighting skin care roundup, here’s a little science lesson. What is a free radical? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, free radicals occur when atoms become reactive. This happens when atoms aren’t surrounded by enough electrons, forcing them to bond with another atom to use its electrons to complete the outer shell. And, just like that, a free radical is born. While many people think that free radicals are floating in the air, they’re naturally created in the body as a response to things such as pollution, smoking, unhealthy diets, sun exposure and so on. Once they’re created, the oxidative process sets in, causing everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and more serious skin care concerns. So when you hear about a beauty product that combats free radicals, it’s not putting up a shield that makes them bounce off your skin, it’s helping to prevent those outside elements from getting the chance to create them in your body. Now that you’re all caught up on what a free radical really is, let’s talk products. The best thing you can do for your skin to protect it from forming free radicals is to load up on antioxidants. Here are 12 skin care heroes to protect your skin with each and every use.

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This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com

12 Products That Fight Free Radicals

Allies of Skin

Molecular Multi-Nutrient Day Cream, $89 at Dermstore

Super-charged with eight hydrators, 10 antioxidants and a 12.5 percent Nutrient Complex, this thirst-quenching day cream is like a health supplement for your skin. The super-concentrated formula is powered by marrubium stem cells and moringa extract to create a protective barrier against outside pollution, shielding skin from producing free radicals. This powerful product also works to fight everything from inflammation and breakouts to uneven skin tone and premature signs of aging.
Drunk Elephant

D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum, $36 at Sephora

This replenishing, antioxidant-rich serum is powered by a chronopeptide that mimics the benefits of vitamin D, along with omega-rich marula oil, black currant seed oils and vitamin F fatty acids. When applied, not only will your skin be protected from pollution and environmental stressors, but it will flaunt a dewy, bronze glow that looks fresh off the beach.
DRMTLGY

Advanced C E Ferulic, $67 at DRMTLGY

Vitamin C, vitamin E and Ferulic acid come together to create the ultimate hero product to fight free radicals. Clinically proven to delivered unparalleled anti-aging results, you can expect an increase in collagen products, a decrease in free radical damage and an overall more youthful-looking complexion as a result.
Dermalogica

Biolumin-C Serum, $69.60 at SkinStore

Everyone can use a vitamin C boost every once in a while. This particular serum is packed with antioxidants to help combat oxidative stress while boosting a brighter, firmer complexion with continued use.
Coola

Ecocert Radical Recovery Organic After-Sun Lotion, $32 at Ulta

Days spent in the sun are pretty much unavoidable over summer, but that doesn't mean there aren't measures you can take to reduce the damage. Case in point: this ultra-moisturizing after-sun lotion that uses agave's natural moisture-binding mechanisms to shield against environmental aggressors while calming the effects of sunburn. What's more, since it's formulated with more than 70 percent organic ingredients, you can take pride knowing that you're doing more good than harm when applying this youth-enhancing lotion.
Skin Laundry

Balancing Antioxidant Toner, $22 at Sephora

Cleanse, tone, moisturize — the classic skin care routine we all know and love. Instead of reaching for a ho-hum toner, try using this multitasking superstar instead. Designed to remove trace amounts of makeup and impurities that could still reside on skin, this toner also works to protect against free radical damage thanks to the powerful antioxidant ubiquinone. What's more, willow bark works to calm and soothe while aloe vera hydrates and detoxifies, making for a healthy complexion all around.
HydroPeptide

Solar Defense Tinted, $48 at Dermstore

This tinted sunscreen is created with a color-adjusting formula so that it can blend well with all skin tones while providing UVA, UVB and infrared protection that works double-time against free radicals. Yes, please.
Georgette Klinger

Vitamin C Toner, $26 at Birchbox

Toning is a must-follow step that so many people often think is unnecessary. When done with the right product, however, you'll see just how beneficial it is. This vitamin C toner works to brighten dark spots, reduce the appearance of acne scars and boost a collagen-rich complexion with every use. Best of all, it's antioxidant-rich formula works to protect your complexion against free radicals while witch hazel, watercress and elderflower extracts work to cleanse and calm skin deep into pores.
Volition Beauty

Snow Mushroom Water Serum, $62 at Sephora

Lightweight and lovable, this antioxidant-rich serum will have you falling head over heels after just one use. Formulated with snow mushrooms — known for their ability to hold nearly 500 times their weight in water — this airy serum glides on to quench skin's thirst while protecting it against free radicals. The result? A healthy, happy, hydrated complexion that features less noticeable pores and a lower likelihood of redness.
PCA

Skin C&E Strength Max, $99 at Dermstore

Designed to promote a radiant, even complexion, this stabilized vitamin C and E serum works to protect against free radical damage, diminishing the appearance of hyperpigmentation while promoting collagen and elastin production. In other words, it's an anti-aging skin care masterpiece.
Asarai

Response Theory Daily Serum, $42.95 at Asarai

This daily serum works to respond to free radicals all day long by drenching skin in long-lasting vitamins and antioxidants. With every use, you can look forward to a balanced, glowing complexion that's less likely to show signs of premature aging.
Biba Los Angeles

Onerta Meta C Serum, $75 at Biba Los Angeles

Antioxidant-rich? Check. Collagen-boosting? Check. Free radical-fighting? Check. This sulfate- and paraben-free product could be the perfect protective staple in your routine.