SkinAX²: Can This Antioxidant Supplement Truly Transform Your Skin?
In the ever-evolving world of beauty and wellness, we're constantly on the lookout for the next breakthrough that promises radiant, glowing skin. From collagen powders to biotin-infused vitamins, ingestible beauty supplements have taken the market by storm. Among these, SkinAX² - a relatively new antioxidant ingredient which claims to be the solution for brighter and more luminous skin. But, before you add it to your daily regimen, let's dive into the science and see if it lives up to the hype.
The Skin’s Battle Against Oxidative Stress
External factors like stress, UV exposure, smoking, and alcohol can trigger an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly known as free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues in the body, including the skin, by stealing electrons from other molecules, leading to a chain reaction of cellular damage. This oxidative stress can contribute to premature ageing, wrinkles, and various skin problems.
Enter SkinAX²
SkinAX² is an innovative antioxidant blend that combines grape seed extract, vitamin C, zinc, and melon concentrate to provide superoxide dismutase activity—a naturally occurring antioxidant in the human body. Marketed as a solution for achieving brighter and more radiant skin, SkinAX² claims to reduce discoloration, dark spots, and improve the appearance of skin conditions like melasma and acne-induced spots. But does it deliver on its promises?
Radiance Advanced Repair by Vida Glow with SkinAX²
Skin Bright+ by JS Health with SkinAX²
What does the research say?
Only a single published clinical study exists for SkinAX². In this study, 35 women aged 40 to 70, with skin types ranging from fair to olive (Fitzpatrick Types II to IV), were administered a daily dose of 150mg of SkinAX² for eight weeks. The assessment included an evaluation of skin parameters such as dark circles, coloration, luminosity, brightness, transparency, and firmness.
The study yielded some promising findings. Notably, a 38% reduction in the saturation of red/pink coloration and a 21% reduction in olive colour tones were observed. Skin luminosity increased by 26%, dark circles were reduced by 12% in relief, and a 19% improvement in colour. Age spots, both in terms of colour and quantity, showed a 21% reduction (1).
Is it for darker skin tones?
While these results sound intriguing, it's important to acknowledge a limitation of the study—it was not tested on individuals with darker skin tones. The assessment used terms like "red pink", “beige” and "olive" for measuring effectiveness - descriptors which do not accurately represent the range of skin tones in brown and black skin. The verdict is still out on whether this product can deliver the same results in these individuals.
A Call for Inclusivity and Transparency
In a world where beauty products are marketed to all, it's essential that these products are tested on individuals of all skin tones before extravagant claims are made. The responsibility isn't solely on consumers to do their research; retailers must provide accurate and comprehensive information about the products they sell, including their potential limitations.
SkinAX² shows promise as an antioxidant ingredient that may contribute to brighter and more luminous skin. However, it's crucial to interpret marketing claims like this with a critical eye, considering the limitations seen in clinical research. Before making any claims of miraculous transformations, further research is needed to ascertain SkinAX²'s effectiveness across a broader spectrum of skin tones. It remains unclear if this product will benefit brown and black skin. In the quest for radiant skin, remember that inclusivity and transparency in product marketing are just as vital as the ingredients themselves.
(1). Dumoulin M, Gaudout D, Lemaire B. Clinical effects of an oral supplement rich in antioxidants on skin radiance in women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:315-324. Published 2016 Oct 18. doi:10.2147/CCID.S118920