Which of the following is NOT a benefit of antioxidants?

The correct choice is one that highlights a misunderstanding of the specific benefits attributed to antioxidants. Antioxidants are primarily known for their role in reducing oxidative stress and neutralizing free radicals. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cellular damage, and antioxidants work to mitigate this process.

Promoting wound healing is another benefit often associated with certain antioxidants, as they can help in tissue repair and regeneration, contributing positively to the skin's overall health. Neutralizing free radicals is a fundamental function of antioxidants; they effectively counteract the damaging effects of these unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and various skin conditions.

While antioxidants may support overall skin health and contribute to hydration indirectly, they are not specifically known for directly increasing skin hydration levels. Hydration is more so influenced by moisturizers and hydrating agents rather than antioxidants alone. Therefore, this option does not align with the core benefits typically associated with antioxidants, making it the correct answer as it does not represent a primary benefit of these compounds.