A beginner-friendly guide to getting the most out of antioxidant-rich products (including ours).
Antioxidants are among the most important, but often misunderstood, ingredients in skincare. These powerful compounds help neutralize free radicals, calm inflammation, and protect skin from daily stressors like UV rays and pollution. All of that adds up to fewer fine lines, less dullness, and more glow.
But if you’re layering multiple antioxidant products (or pairing them with actives like AHAs or peptides), the order and combination matter. Here’s how to get it right — and how some of your From This Island favourites naturally fit into that flow.
Why Your Skin Loves Antioxidants
Free radicals are unstable molecules created by sun exposure, stress, and pollution which speed up aging by damaging collagen and triggering inflammation. Antioxidants in turn help stop this chain reaction.
Used consistently, they can help:
- Brighten uneven tone
- Strengthen your skin barrier
- Reduce signs of environmental stress
- Support a smoother, firmer texture
- How To Layer Antioxidants the Right Way
1. Start with your gentlest cleanse
Your antioxidant routine starts at the sink.
🧴 Try: Java Black Tea Soothing Gel Cleanser which is rich in polyphenols from fermented black tea leaves to calm and prep skin for what comes next, without over-stripping.
2. Follow up with a treatment or serum
This is where antioxidants do the heavy lifting. Look for lightweight, water-based formulas that absorb easily.
🧴 Try: Mangosteen Brightening Serum that is made with mangosteen peel extract (rich in xanthones), niacinamide, and allantoin to brighten and soothe. Think of it as daily protection against dullness, discoloration, and inflammation.
🧴 Or: Sugarcane AHA Exfoliating Solution (2–3x a week only). There is glycolic acid from the sugarcane which clears away dead skin, helping antioxidant serums penetrate better. Don’t use with vitamin C or bakuchiol on the same day.
3. Lock in moisture and antioxidant defence
Creams are where hydration and repair meet. Many also deliver slow-release antioxidant benefits.
🧴 Try: Papua Red Fruit Plumping Cream which is packed with beta-carotene-rich buah merah from Papua and bakuchiol for skin renewal. It’s a great antioxidant-rich barrier cream for night or day.
🧴 Also consider: Guava Moisture Barrier Gel. It is infused with natural vitamin C and A from guava extract, plus hyaluronic acid to support barrier health.
4. Don’t skip SPF in the morning
Antioxidants defend, but SPF blocks. For daytime, always finish your routine with sunscreen.
🧴 Try: White Tea Ultra Light Protective Sun Serum. It contains white tea extract for photoprotection, plus niacinamide and panthenol to keep skin calm under the sun.
Final Tips for a Glow That Lasts
- Layer from thinnest to thickest: Serum → Moisturizer → SPF
- Less is more: Stick to 1–2 antioxidants per routine.
- Patch test when trying something new: Especially if you’re introducing vitamin C, bakuchiol, or acids.
- Keep your barrier happy: Hydration helps antioxidants work better.
Glow, From This Island Way
Our formulas are built with antioxidant-rich botanicals grown across the Indonesian archipelago. We craft every product not just to work, but to nurture, especially in hot, humid climates.
Want more layering tips? DM us anytime or check the ingredient section on each product page. We’re here to help you build a routine that glows with intention.
