When you hear the term “free radicals,” you either think of politically-polarized hippie activists or you think of beauty concerns that plague the modern-day woman. When beauty experts talk about these harmful environmental particles, they often use the word “antioxidants” in the same sentence, as they’re the classic defense against environmental stresses.

According to Allure.com, a slightly more commonplace item may also have a great deal to do with how your skin reacts against free radicals.

“Dehydration leads to oxidative stress, which generates free radicals,” dermatologist Fredric Brandt told the news source. “Without moisture, your skin isn’t able to repair itself and suffers even more damage.”

You heard the man – lay on that moisturizer if you’re not already. Better yet, reach for a moisturizing product that’s rich with antioxidant ingredients to get the best of both worlds. Experts agree that a mix of antioxidants work better than a single ingredient.