Skin Defenders.

Byline: Brooke Le Poer Trench

There's no doubt that skin needs antioxidants. But with so many available, the question is which ones. We've got the answer.

L ike sex educators, dermatologists constantly lecture on the importance of using protection. And we're not just talking about SPF. "Topical antioxidants save cells from a significant amount of environmental damage," says dermatologist Leslie Baumann. Antioxidants work their magic by turning free radicals--molecules that form in the body when you're exposed to UV light and other environmental assaults--into benign compounds, stopping them from causing inflammation, DNA mutations, and collagen loss. That's why adding a layer of topical antioxidants in the morning can help prevent wrinkles, spots, and maybe even skin cancer.

But with a dizzying number of antioxidants being packed into more creams and serums than ever, choosing the right one can be perplexing. "You could have an extremely potent antioxidant, but it will only be effective in a high enough concentration and in a stable formulation," says Baumann. We've gathered the latest wisdom on the top five antioxidants to help you find the best protection. It sure beats abstinence.

GREEN TEA

Green tea has bragging rights to two top features: "It absorbs into the skin really well," says Baumann, and "of all the antioxidants, it is the most studied." Unlike white and black teas, which are fermented, green tea is made from the steaming and drying of fresh leaves, better preserving its antioxidant polyphenols. Its scores are impressive: It's over 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E at neutralizing free radicals. Studies also show that it protects against DNA damage caused by the sun. To be effective, the serum or cream needs to have 50 percent polyphenols, and you can tell when one does because the product will be brown. According to Baumann, the Topix Replenix line is the only one with a high enough concentration of green tea to benefit the skin.

VITAMIN C