What is with all the buzz about antioxidants??? I'll tell you...if your like most of us who want smooth, healthy skin...you will want to incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine. Below, I’ll describe what antioxidants are and how they protect your skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vitamins and enzymes that are involved in the prevention of cellular damage of the skin tissue. Vitamins such as A, C and E are important antioxidants that when applied topically have been shown to fight against free radicals and protect your skin cells from damage. Vitamin A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are oxygen molecules with unpaired electrons. These molecules are very unstable. Generally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electron. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chemical chain reaction. This causes oxidative stress that lead to cell dysfunction and cause damage to the DNA and the Cell Membrane. The results are loss of firmness, radiance, elasticity and can contribute over time to aging of the skin. Environmental factors that lead to high levels of free radicals are smoking tobacco, direct sunlight, smog and pollution.
How do antioxidants help our skin?
Our entire skin's natural renewal process is built on renewing and regenerating new skin cells and needs to function properly. Antioxidants help to stop the chemical reaction caused by free radicals from spreading by slowing down or stopping the oxidation process. They act as a barrier by allowing themselves to oxidize instead of more sensitive molecules saving our skin cells from further damage!!! So Important! If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. The antioxidants will protect your skin from developing signs of premature aging and other conditions.
The skin does have it's own antioxidant system to help counteract these free radicals, however over time your body's natural antioxidants decrease with age leaving your cells, cell membranes and DNA more vulnerable to damage. This is why it's important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants.
So there you have it. To promote healthy skin cell turnover and regeneration and protect against damage and dysfunction of our cells DNA and the Cell Membrane...start slathering on some antioxidants. What are you using in your beauty routine to help fight against free radical???
xo
Sheena Rush
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