*Vitamin C molecule from wikipedia.org
The sun’s UV rays can cause sustained damage to the skin under prolonged exposure. Their effects include sunburns, the formation of cells related to sunburns, and DNA damage at the cellular level. Over time, exposure to these UV rays can lead to certain types of skin cancers. One of the reasons why damage occurs at the cellular level is because of free radical oxidation. And one of the most effective ways to prevent that oxidation is through antioxidants. Below, I’ll describe what antioxidants are and how they protect your skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
What Are Antioxidants?
An antioxidant is a type of molecule that decelerates the chemical reaction that other molecules undergo when they transfer elections. The transfer of those electrons is called oxidation. Once molecules oxidize and lose an electron, they oxidize other molecules in search of a replacement. This chain reaction results in damaged cells.
Antioxidants prevent the chain reaction from happening. They help to eliminate free radicals by allowing themselves to become oxidized rather than other sensitive molecules. By stopping the chemical reaction from spreading, antioxidants help avert lasting cellular damage.
How The Sun Damages Your Skin
It’s important to understand what influences can lead to the oxidation of molecules. There are, in fact, many factors that can play a significant role including foods that contain large amounts of lipid peroxides, pollution, and exposure to UV rays. The sun, in particular, is a major influence in spreading free radicals and accelerating the oxidation process. The longer a person is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, the more severe the cellular damage from the free radicals. Over time, this damage can manifest as wrinkles as the skin’s elasticity begins to deteriorate. Eventually, the spread of free radicals can lead to skin cancer.
Antioxidants For Skin Protection
Because of their ability to slow and prevent the oxidation of sensitive molecules, antioxidants help protect your skin from developing signs of premature aging and other conditions. Vitamins such as A, C and E are important antioxidants that when applied topically have been shown to battle free radicals. This is why they are so important for the long-term health of your skin and body.
While you should always use an effective sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, you can also help by incorporating an antioxidant skin care product into your regimen:
La Roche Posay Active C – This formulation includes an active vitamin C ingredient to substantially lessen the severity of wrinkles caused by free radical damage.
UltimaSkin Potent C Serum – 12 % stabilized L-ascorbic acid boosts collagen production, protects against free radical damage and brightens skin.
La Roche Posay Redermic and Redermic Eyes – In addition to Vitamin C 5%, Redermic contains madecassoside for added collagen synthesis. Particularly for mature skin showing signs of aging.
There is a premium skin care line featuring Soy and many other botanicals rich in antioxidants. It is called The Soy of Life. The line has done wonders for many people, including mature skin and people with very sensitive skin and rosacea.