The term “free radicals” is mentioned in the world of skin care, as it is one of the most prominent causes of skin damage and the emergence of early wrinkles. We often hear advice from experts about the importance of a diet rich in antioxidants, or the use of products that contain it because of their ability to combat “free radicals”.
What are the free roots? How do you arise in our bodies? What is its relationship to aging and what are the factors that lead to its accumulation?
What are the free radicals?
We can describe free radicals in a simple way as unstable molecules present in our bodies, which tend to interact with other cells in the body, including molecules of skin cells or blood cells, which leads to damage to these cells and the imbalance of their functions.
The accumulation of free radicals results in a process called “oxidative stress” where free radicals begin to attack our bodies and change the levels of fats, proteins and DNA in them, which causes diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s.
Skin cells are also damaged by oxidative stress, which leads to an imbalance in the performance of their functions, which may result in serious diseases such as skin cancer, chronic and acute infections.
The effect of free radicals on the skin
Often the risk of exposure to these diseases caused by free radicals increases with age, however, their effects may begin to appear on the skin at an early age, which leads to:
- Drought: Free radicals can reduce the skin’s ability to absorb moisture, which leads to dehydration.
- Pigmentation and the color of the skin: It can also lead to an irregular distribution of melanin dyes in the skin, causing pigmentation and variation in color.
- Inactivity: When cells have to make an additional effort to fight free radicals, their normal rotational rate may slow down.
- Loss of flexibility: The composition of collagen, elastin and proteincan slows down, which weakens the structure and flexibility of the skin.
In conclusion, all previous factors lead to the emergence of many signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, so free radicals are mainly related to accelerating the appearance of signs of age.
What causes free radicals?
Free radicals are naturally formed in our bodies, but there are many external factors that help them grow and reproduce, including sun exposure, cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants, some medications, pesticides, and artificial solvents.
Our bodies also produce more free radicals, in the event of exposure to tension, anxiety or infections.
In fact, we cannot completely get rid of free radicals. However, it is still possible to reduce exposure to some factors that increase their production in our bodies.
Therefore, you should be sure to use sunscreen on a daily basis, refrain from smoking or even negative smoking, avoid environmental pollutants, reduce anxiety and tension, and reduce foods rich in sugars and processed foods, which helps reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Control free radicals with antioxidants
Fortunately, we have in our bodies also molecules called “antioxidants” that are associated with free radicals and limits their negative effect, preventing them from being associated with other cells. Therefore, it is often advised to follow food systems rich in antioxidants to relieve signs of aging.
Here is a list of the most prominent antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress:
- Vitamin C: There are in broccoli, Brussels buds, blue berries, cauliflower, melon, strange fruit, leafy vegetables, cabbage, strawberry, sweet potatoes, sweet pepper, tomatoes, citrus fruits.
- Vitamin E: In almonds, avocado, sunflower seeds, oatmeal and legumes (beans, lentils, divided peas), peanuts, red pepper and leafy vegetables.
- Beta Carotin: There is in apricots, melons, mangoes, carrots, strange fruits, sweet pepper, asparagus, beets, cabbage, mango, orange, peach, pink scrub, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mandarin and watermelon.
- Selenium: There are eggs, tuna, salmon, brown rice, onions, poultry, oyster, beef.
- Zinc: There is in beef, poultry, oyster, shrimp, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, cashews and subsidized grains.
- Phenolic compounds: In apples, onions, tea, cocoa, berries, grapes, peanuts and some spices, including thyme and rosemary.
Despite the importance of antioxidants, it must be taken into account that they are considered unstable molecules, so excessive intake may be harmful, so specialists are not recommended to take antioxidants, but rather a healthy and balanced diet.
Topical use of antioxidants
In addition to obtaining antioxidants from the diet, it can also be used topically on the skin to protect it from the effects of aging. Cosmetic experts advise the use of skin care products containing Vitamini “C” and “E” and green tea extract, in order to give effective results.
- Ascorbic acid: Multi -use is the most appropriate for oily or mixed skin. Its main effect is to neutralize the free radicals directly, it also protects the skin from oxidative stress, and significantly relieves the damage caused by exposure to sunlight such as pigmentation. It is preferable to use this acid with vitamin E, to get the best results.
- Alpha Tokovirol/Vitamin E: It is the perfect choice for people with dry and old skin, as it is an effective antioxidant, as it absorbs free radicals and reduces the effects of exposure to UV rays. It is naturally found in the skin, and it is not recommended to use it on its own, but it is preferable to use the products containing it with other ingredients.
- Ferolic acid: It is an antioxidant derived from plants such as rice, oats and bamboo, and it is better effectively when combined with vitamin C and E.
- Florentin: Extract from apples and her root bark, which is a modern antioxidant that inhibits the formation of MMPS that disintegrates collagen, enhances its permeability, and has an effective role in reducing pigmentation.
- Reseuratrol: Grape peel extract, has a double effect in neutralizing free radicals and stimulating the natural production of antioxidants, and has an anti -inflammatory effect. It contains additional niacinamide (antioxidant of vitamin B) and vitamin E, and also contains bicaline antioxidants, which makes it an effective option to treat and protect the skin.