If you are a sun worshipper, this article is for you.
Sun can cause skin damage that can accumulate with continuous exposure. Protecting our skin from ultraviolet (UV) light is thus essential during summer, but what to do if the damage was already done? This article delves into compounds that play a critical role in repairing sun damage.
ANTIOXIDANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN PHOTO-AGING PREVENTION
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is crucial in repairing photodamaged skin by stimulating collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity. In addition, its photoprotective properties make it an indispensable component in our skin treatments.
At Phaedra, we understand the importance of using natural sources of vitamin C, which is why we harness the power of exotic fruits like CAMU CAMU, ACEROLA, BAOBAB, and MANGO. These fruits contain the highest concentration of vitamin C and are also rich in other beneficial micronutrients, unlike synthetic forms of vitamin C.
Natural vitamin C delivered by fruits comes with beneficial anti-inflammatory polyphenols that play an essential role in our skin treatments by scavenging harmful free radicals and promoting skin healing.
We use freeze-dried exotic organic fruits like Acerola in our Fresh Series Serums to ensure our products have the highest possible vitamin C content.
Freeze-drying offers the best preservation of the vitamin content. These precious fruits are added to our freshly made serums in the final stage of their creation without any heat, ensuring that our clients receive the full benefits of the fruit’s natural vitamin C content.
Our Water-less Series, including Eratō’s Multipurpose Essence, guarantees the delivery of vitamins by always cold-pressing new mango seeds for each new batch. This process ensures that our clients receive the freshest and most potent dose of natural vitamin C available.
Our products with the highest vitamin C content include the Blue Hermēs Revitalizing Mask, Eratō’s Multipurpose Essence, Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum and Sapphō’s Brightening Serum.

VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient critical in repairing and maintaining healthy skin. At Phaedra, we guarantee the presence of full-spectrum vitamin E (includes alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienols) by laboratory tests of our antioxidant-rich certified organic Ente plum oils present in many of our products, including those in our new clean makeup line; this ensures that our clients receive the most potent and effective dose of vitamin E accompanied by other polyphenolic compounds, such as Rutin – the new powerful element that combats aging.
LYCOPENE
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature aging caused by UV-induced damage. Exposure to UV light can decrease skin lycopene concentrations, making lycopene-rich skincare essential for repairing this reduction and maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.
At Phaedra, we understand the importance of incorporating lycopene-rich ingredients into our skincare products to protect and nourish the skin. Two of our richest products in lycopene are Eratō’s Multipurpose Essence and Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum.
Eratō’s Multipurpose Essence combines full-spectrum vitamin E with lycopene-rich tomato seed oil and vitamin-rich mango, providing potent antioxidants to nourish and protect the skin.
Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum takes lycopene replenishment to the next level by combining a carrot extract with Bakuchiol, a natural and gentle alternative to retinol, to replenish the lycopene loss caused by the sun and promote skin renewal.
To incorporate these two products into your skincare routine, we recommend applying Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum first, followed by Eratō’s Multipurpose Essence. This combination will help to replenish your skin’s lycopene levels, protect against UV-induced damage, and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.
CAROTENOIDS
Carotenoids are potent antioxidants that have been shown to be very effective in combating photodamage and decreasing UV-induced sensitivity. These beneficial compounds can be delivered topically through skincare products, but consuming a diet rich in carotenoids is essential for overall skin health. β-carotene, a type of carotenoid, has been shown to combat wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.
Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum and Eratō’s Multipurpose Essence are both rich in carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which works to protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve overall skin health.
Incorporating these carotenoid-rich products into your skincare routine and a healthy diet can help protect and nourish your skin from the inside out.
COENZYME Q10
Coenzyme Q10
Potent in its effect on preventing photo-aging, Coenzyme Q10 acts against oxidative stress similarly to vitamin E and enhances the synthesis of basement membrane components in dermal and epidermal cells.
We carefully add our Coenzyme Q10 during the final stage of creating our Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum, ensuring that it is at its most potent and effective. It protects the skin from environmental stressors and promotes healthy, radiant-looking skin.
Because Phaedra Botanicals is a vegan company, we use a blend of squalene, vitamin E, and vegan Ubiquinone.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is a natural and effective way to protect your skin from UV-induced oxidative stress. The polyphenols found in green tea have been shown to have exceptional repairing properties for this type of stress, making it a powerful ingredient to include in your skincare routine.
At Phaedra Botanicals, we use organic green tea and green tea extract in several products to provide our clients with the best possible skincare benefits.
Our Hana Defies Time Phytotherapy Serum is infused with both ingredients and French extracts like Ginkgo Biloba. Other examples that carry green tea are, for instance, Transcendent The Lotion and Sapphō’s Brightening Serum.