Free radicals and premature aging
Discover how they affect your skin, what factors generate them and how to prevent and combat its damage
Wrinkles, loss of firmness, spots or dull skin? Free radicals are behind many signs of skin aging. Those small molecules that, in excess, damage skin cells and accelerate premature aging. Today we tell you everything you need to know to stand up to them. Because knowledge is power!
What are free radicals and why do they age the skin?
Free radicals are molecules that, because they are very unstable, “steal” electrons from other cells. We produce them naturally in processes such as cellular respiration, but they multiply with external factors such as the sun, pollution or stress. The problem? When there are more of them than our body can neutralize and a chain reaction is caused, they can damage our cells, including our skin cells.
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Do you know the difference between free radicals and oxidative stress? Free radicals are rebellious, unstable molecules. When they become unbalanced, they cause oxidative stress. One is the trigger, and the other is the chaos that comes after.
How do free radicals affect your skin?
When there is an excess of free radicals and the body is unable to neutralize them, an imbalance occurs that your skin notices like this:
- Loss of collagen and elastin, two key proteins to keep skin firm and elastic.
- Alteration of the barrier function, which results in loss of hydration and greater sensitivity.
- Stains and irregular tone, by interfering with the natural production of melanin.
- Loss of luminosity, leaving the skin looking dull and tired.
What factors increase the production of free radicals?
In addition to those produced by our own body, and this increases with age, there are external factors that enhance its production:
- 🌞 UV radiation and blue light
- 🏙️ Environmental pollution
- 💼 Lack of sleep and stress
- 🍷Excesses (alcohol, tobacco...)
- 🥦 Low antioxidant diet
How can we defend ourselves against free radicals?
1. Your beauty superheroes: Antioxidant cosmetics!
The antioxidants function as “donors” of electrons: they give them up without destabilizing themselves, and thus stop the chain reaction of free radicals. Ingredients such as vitamin C, which also stimulates collagen production, help neutralize oxidative stress and make your skin look smoother, firmer and more elastic.
2. Daily sun protection: The best anti-wrinkle
The sun is one of the main sources of free radicals, and its effect is not limited only to the beach. That's why sunscreen is your most powerful daily defense: it blocks damage from UV rays (and sometimes even blue light from screens). Apply it every morning, whether it's sunny or not, and also if you're just going to the office: consistency makes the difference.
3. Your antioxidant training: Healthy habits!
Not everything depends on cosmetics:
- Sleep well
- Slow down the pace
- Say “no thanks” to excesses
- Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats
This helps improve your antioxidant system. Your body will be more balanced, and your skin will be brighter than ever.
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Does young skin also need antioxidants? Free radicals do not understand age. Although young skin has more resources to defend itself, it is not invincible, and every day it is exposed to sun, screens, stress and pollution.
Ready to stand up to free radicals? Take care of your skin with intelligence, perseverance... and the right allies!
Bibliographical sources
Rinnerthaler, M.; Bischof, J.; Streubel, M.K.; Trost, A.; Richter, K. Oxidative Stress in Aging Human Skin. Biomolecules2015,5, 545-589. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom5020545
Pullar, J.M.; Carr, A.C.; Vissers, M.C.M. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients2017,9, 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866
