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What is the main function of antioxidants in skincare products?

  1. Moisturization

  2. Sun protection

  3. Protection against free radical damage

  4. Skin tightening

The correct answer is: Protection against free radical damage

Antioxidants play a crucial role in skincare, primarily by offering protection against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress in the skin, leading to premature aging, inflammation, and various skin disorders. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, thereby preventing or reducing the damage they can cause to skin cells, DNA, and collagen. This protective function is vital because it helps to maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin. Regular use of products containing antioxidants can help improve skin texture, tone, and firmness, while also reducing the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. While moisturization, sun protection, and skin tightening are all important aspects of an effective skincare regime, they do not specifically address the primary role of antioxidants. Moisturization focuses on hydrating the skin, sun protection aims to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, and skin tightening concerns the firmness of the skin rather than its protection from oxidative stress. Thus, the main function of antioxidants in skincare is indeed their ability to protect against free radical damage.