Acne and Antioxidants

Written by: Dr Tiina Meder

|

Published on

|

Last updated on

|

Time to read 6 min

Dr Tiina Meder

Dr Tiina Meder

Founder and CEO of Meder by Dr Tiina Meder (founded in 2009), dermatologist and cosmetic safety expert, an experienced lecturer and speaker on the topic of dermatology and skin care, sharing her expertise around the world in Japan, Taiwan, IMCAS Europe and China, FACE, CCR, APAN (Australia, New Zealand), LNE (France, Poland, Ukraine) and Microbiome Connection (USA) to name but a few. Across her career she has had more than 50 articles published. 

Why Do Some People Get Acne While Others Don’t?

Have you ever wondered why some people suffer from acne while others never experience it? You might have oily but clear skin, while your friend with normal or dry skin struggles with persistent breakouts. Until recently, this seemed like an unsolved mystery. However, scientific research over the last few years has shed light on the complex mechanisms behind acne formation — and oxidative stress appears to be one of the key missing pieces.

What Really Causes Acne?

Acne development depends on multiple interconnected factors: genetic predisposition, diet, stress, hormonal fluctuations, oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, and the balance of the skin microbiome. No single factor causes acne on its own; it’s the interplay of several that determines whether skin stays clear or breaks out.


This complexity explains why some people with oily skin never get acne, while others with low sebum production do. The same applies to adults with stable hormones who continue to experience inflammation and blemishes — oxidative stress is often the driving influence.

The Hidden Role of Oxidative Stress

The role of oxidative stress in acne has only recently been recognized, but research shows it plays a surprisingly significant part in the process. Today, oxidative stress is considered both a biochemical marker of acne development and a useful indicator for monitoring treatment success.


Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as free radicals, and the skin’s natural antioxidant defense system. This imbalance damages cells, lipids, and proteins, setting off an inflammatory cascade that leads to acne lesions.

How Oxidative Stress Triggers Acne

  • Lipid Peroxidation 

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals attack sebum components, especially squalene, creating squalene peroxides. These highly comedogenic molecules clog pores, trigger inflammation, and worsen lesions. 

  • Barrier Disruption

Oxidative damage weakens the skin barrier, making it more permeable to irritants and microbes. This environment supports the growth of bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.

  • Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

Oxidative stress activates pathways like mTOR, PPARγ, and Toll-like receptors, increasing sebum production, cell keratinization, and persistent inflammation.

  • Inflammation Loop 

Immune cells release ROS to fight pathogenic strains of overgrown C. acnes, but it damages local tissue, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation.

  • Severity Connection 

Clinical studies show that higher oxidative stress correlates with more severe acne and lower levels of natural antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase.

What Increases Oxidative Stress?

Environmental Factors

  • UV Radiation: Sunlight boosts ROS production and quickly overwhelms natural antioxidant defences.
  • Air Pollution: Ozone, micro particles, different toxins, deplete antioxidants and generate radicals. Cigarette smoke acts as a concentrated air pollution exposure, so a smoker's skin is exposed to intense oxidative stress. 
  • HEV Blue Light: The sun’s high-energy visible (HEV) light penetrates deeply into skin, generating oxidative damage. Artificial light from screens, however, has minimal effect.

Lifestyle Factors

  • High-Glycemic Diets: Processed and sugary foods increase inflammation and oxidative activity. 
  • Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Both introduce ROS and suppress antioxidant enzymes. 
  • Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress heightens inflammation and free radical formation.

Biological Factors

  • Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Acne, eczema, and psoriasis naturally raise local ROS production. 
  • C. acnes Overgrowth: The bacteria stimulate immune-driven oxidative bursts. 
  • Sebum Oxidation: Excess sebum is more easily oxidised into inflammatory compounds like squalene peroxides.
  • Microbiome Imbalance: overgrowth of potentially harmful microorganisms promote inflammation increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This excess ROS overwhelms the skin's antioxidant defenses, leading to cellular damage and exacerbating conditions like acne, eczema, or chronic wounds.

Topical & Treatment Factors

  • Harsh Skincare: Over-cleansing or using alcohol-based formulas removes protective lipids and antioxidants. 
  • Improper Actives Use: Daily application of skincare based on active forms of retinol, hydroxy acids or benzoyl peroxide can raise oxidative stress.

Ageing

  • Natural antioxidant enzyme activity declines with age, leaving mature skin more vulnerable to oxidative damage.

Why Traditional Acne Therapy Falls Short

Conventional acne therapies — benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids, and salicylic acid — focus on reducing sebum, bacteria, and speeding up cell turnover. While effective for teenage acne, these treatments rarely address oxidative stress or microbiome imbalance. As a result, they often cause dryness, barrier damage, sensitivity, and rebound inflammation, which worsen oxidative stress over time.


A more holistic, science-based approach targets oxidative stress and restores microbiome balance using antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and botanical actives.

Next-Generation Antioxidants and Actives

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

A key coenzyme in cellular energy metabolism, niacinamide supports NAD+/NADH production, enhances antioxidant defence, reduces inflammation, and balances sebum. It also strengthens the skin barrier and boosts repair processes. Concentrations around 4–5% are proven most effective for acne-prone skin.

Plant-Derived Antioxidants

Flavonoids and polyphenols from plants such as grapes, green tea, rosemary, and olive leaves effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. EGCG (from green tea), quercetin, resveratrol, and piceatannol are particularly powerful for acne management, combining antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.

The Power of Probiotic Ferments: Kimchi Extracts

Kimchi, the Korean superfood, is rich in probiotic bacteria like Leuconostoc kimchii. When applied topically, these probiotics help restore healthy skin flora, suppress C. acnes without harming beneficial microbes, calm inflammation, and enhance hydration. The fermentation process also boosts natural antioxidant levels, increasing resilience against environmental stressors.

Plant Stem Cells: Intelligent Skin Rebalancing

Noni Stem Cells (Quora Noni™) 


Noni plant stem cells block bacterial communication (quorum sensing), preventing C. acnes from forming aggressive biofilms. They calm inflammation and restore microbiome balance while strengthening the skin barrier. New technology called Plasma Rich in Cell Factors (PRCF™) uses advanced stem cell tech to unlock every active compound from plants creating molecular synergy. Instead of ordinary extracts, stem cells are grown and primed to create a lysate packed with targeted bioactives and all natural cell factors. This breakthrough makes Noni stem cell lysate especially potent: it gently inhibits harmful skin bacteria, prevents tough biofilms, and supports your skin’s healthy microbiome for smoother, clearer results.

Maclura Stem Cells (Seboclear™ MP) 


Bioflavonoids from Maclura stem cells selectively inhibit C. acnes, reduce inflammatory enzymes, normalise sebum production, and even counter hormonal triggers by inhibiting 5α-reductase. They deliver retinol-like renewal and reducing sebum production up to 30% in first weeks of use without irritation.


Together, these advanced ingredients offer a biomimetic, microbiome-safe approach to acne prevention and healing.

The New Acne Solution: Meder Eu-Skin Moisturiser

Eu-Skin oil-free moisturiser, created by Dr. Tiina Meder, represents the new generation of acne skincare. It combines Noni plant stem cells, Kimchi-derived probiotics, 4% niacinamide, and panthenol to calm inflammation, regulate sebum, reduce oxidative stress, and restore microbiome balance. 


Independent in vitro studies show that Eu-Skin Cream eliminates 100% of acne-causing C. acnes and reduces S. epidermidis by 97.83%, helping reestablish a healthy skin microbiome.


How to Use: Apply to clean skin twice daily for at least eight weeks.

When to Expect Results: Visible improvement usually appears within a few weeks, with most users achieving clear, balanced skin after three to four months of consistent use.


For optimal results, follow the complete Meder Antioxidant Skincare Routine based on niacinamide, prebiotics, probiotics, plant antioxidants, and Maclura stem cells.

Step 1: Start with Energy-Net Cleansing Mask enriched with probiotics and niacinamide. For deep cleansing apply it on the dry skin and leave for 2 minutes while brushing teeths. Wash the cleansing mask off with cool water. 

Step 2: Apply Energy-Soin Serum. Lightweight gel based enriched with niacinamide and antioxidant blend of extracts derived from blueberry, citruses, cane sugar, aloe vera and maple leaves. 

Step 3: Apply Eu-Seb Active Serum. Anti-acne serum based on Noni and Maclura plant stem cell lysate enriched with natural prebiotics and probiotics. Reduces sebum production, calms down inflammation and prevents formation of comedones. 

Step 4: Apply Eu-Skin Anti-Acne Moisturiser. Oil-free lightweight emulsion fights acne, restores healthy microbiome, moisturises and brightens skin.

Cart (${ cart.item_count })