Super Antioxidant Concentrate

What do these products do?

The primary purpose of our Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serums is to supply the skin with a selection of effective and potent antioxidants and anti-irritants, and these formulas contain the greatest amount and range of antioxidants of any Paula's Choice product. Each formula delivers the antioxidants into the top layers of skin and helps your skin look and act younger. Research has established that routinely applying antioxidants reduces the effect of environmental aggressors (such as sun exposure, cigarette smoke, auto exhaust, pollution), and helps skin to stay healthy and repair damage.

What are the benefits of antioxidants?

Please see this article from Paula and her team to learn more about the benefits of antioxidants.

How do I use the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serums?

Regardless of which Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum you use, here are helpful application guidelines to follow:

• Apply morning and/or evening after cleansing and/or toning
• If you're using one of our AHA or BHA exfoliants, apply the exfoliant first (after cleansing and toning)
• If you're using one of our CLEAR Acne Fighting Treatments, apply after your exfoliant and follow with the Antioxidant Concentrate
• If you're using one of our RESIST skin lightening products, apply the skin lightener before the Antioxidant Concentrate and your moisturizer
• If you are using topical prescription products such as Renova, MetroGel, or TriLuma, apply them before using the Antioxidant Concentrate
• For daytime use, finish your skin-care routine with a moisturizer with SPF 15 or greater
• For nighttime use, you may apply the Antioxidant Concentrate under your regular moisturizer
• Any of the Antioxidant Concentrates can and should be used around the eyes

For details on each of the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serums, click here.

Since Skin Recovery and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrates both contain retinol, do they increase sensitivity to the sun?

Unlike tretinoin (all trans retinoic acid), retinol does not appear to make skin more sensitive to the sun. Further, research has shown that unprotected skin exposed to UVB radiation loses the vitamin A content that is present in skin. Therefore, as always, we recommend daily application of an effective sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher.

Since both Skin Recovery and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrates contain retinol, is it OK to combine them with a product that contains benzoyl peroxide?

Yes, this combination (if needed) is fine. The only caution is to pay attention to your skin's response. If irritation develops, we suggest applying the benzoyl peroxide product in the morning and using one of our Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serums at night. Alternately, you can apply the benzoyl peroxide product where needed, and apply the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum elsewhere. If you are using a prescription product with tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Avita), we recommend applying the benzoyl peroxide separately. Because tretinoin is more potent and less stable than retinol, benzoyl peroxide can render it ineffective when the two active ingredients are combined. Please note: If you are using a prescription product that contains benzoyl peroxide, please consult your physician before making any changes to your skin-care routine.

Since Paula's Choice sunscreens and moisturizers already contain antioxidants, why do I need the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum?

As research on topical application of antioxidants continues, it is becoming increasingly apparent that what works best is to give the skin generous amounts and a diverse mix of these ingredients. The Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serums contain the greatest amount and variety of antioxidants of any Paula's Choice product. In other words, adding increased levels of antioxidants to your skin-care routine is a very good thing for a multitude of skin care concerns. This is a win-win situation for the health and appearance of your skin!

I use a prescription product with tretinoin (i.e. Retina-A, Renova, Tazorac). Since Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contain retinol, is it OK to combine them?

We are not aware of any contraindications surrounding the use of tretinoin and retinol and believe this combination is beneficial to skin. Due to their similarities, retinol has the potential to add to the amount of tretinoin (the active ingredient in prescription products such as Retin-A, Renova, and Tazorac) in the skin. Retinol can be converted to tretinoin in the skin when and if certain enzymes are present. There is a chance that using a product with retinol along with a tretinoin product may increase the side effects of tretinoin therapy, including dry, flaking, or reddened skin. Because this question concerns a prescription drug, we recommend consulting your physician and following his or her advice.

Will the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serums interfere with any of my other products/medications?

No. These products can be used with any other skin-care product, and are compatible with topical prescription medicines such as MetroLotion, Clindagel, Differin, or hydrocortisone. However, it is always best to check with your physician to be sure your skin-care products are compatible with any medications you may be using.

Why are there color variations in the Super Antioxidants Concentrate Serums

Both our Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum and Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate contain the ingredient astaxanthin. This ingredient is part of the carotenoid family that functions as a potent, powerful antioxidant. Depending on the natural coloration of the raw material, it is possible that this ingredient will impart a light to medium yellow or pale coral hue. This is exactly why many other companies use synthetic coloring agents to cover up the variations. We choose not to do this. This color is completely natural, not visible on skin, and can vary from batch to batch. Therefore, you may notice some tubes of Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant or Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate are almost colorless while others exhibit a hint of yellow or orange. Regardless of the level of color (or lack thereof), these are safe, effective products that promote healthy, radiant, younger-looking skin.