Free radicals and the antioxidant process of the skin
In this post, we will go through the process of free radicals and antioxidation together step by step. So let’s answer some questions: what are free radicals? How are they created? What is antioxidation and what antioxidant raw materials can we find in cosmetics?
The formation of free radicals is an integral part of the respiration process that occurs in all cells of our body.
During this process, oxygen atoms are formed, which should have an even number of free electrons on their last shell, the valence shell. Sometimes, however, an electron is lost. The oxygen atom then loses its original equilibrium and begins to search for the missing electron in the immediate vicinity, taking electrons away from other oxygen atoms. This creates more incomplete oxygen atoms, or free radicals. Free radicals are atoms that have no pair. In their search for balance, they destroy other structures of, for example, proteins or lipids, causing damage to cell membranes and even changes in DNA. In small amounts, they are not troublesome for the human body, The problem arises when their quantity increases. What then occurs is the occurrence of the so-called. Oxidative stress in the body.
Many factors contribute to the increased production of water radicals in human cells. The most common reasons are poor diet, lack of rest, increased stress, alcohol abuse, smoking, prolonged exposure to the sun, and environmental pollution.
Free radicals can cause many diseases.
Oxidative stress
It is an imbalance between the rate of production of free radicals and the body’s ability to remove them. Too many free radicals promote damage to important protein and lipid structures, resulting in the development of diseases and accelerated aging of the body.
And what effect do they have on the skin?
Free radicals accelerate the aging process of the skin, and they also exacerbate the symptoms of certain diseases, e.g. Psoriasis, or eczema (eczema).
First of all:
- destroy key skin proteins-collagen and and elastin-responsible for skin tone and elasticity. The consequence is the progressive flaccidity of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles.
- oxidize fats, which are the main component of cell membranes in the skin, leading to dry skin. Dry skin is skin that does not function properly. It regenerates less well because water is needed for enzymes, which are essential for the regenerative processes that take place in our skin every day. Our skin is like a huge factory, where new cells are constantly being produced and worn-out or damaged ones replaced. If there is a lack of water, these processes do not work properly.
- disrupt the activity of melanocytes and thus weaken the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV radiation,
- weaken the immune system of the skin, which makes it more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses
Lipid oxidation
During the oxidation reaction of unsaturated fatty acids, free-radical fatty acid peroxides (LOO) are produced. These later can transform into aldehydes and hydroxy acids, which particularly contribute to skin aging. This is because they have the ability to modify the function of biological membranes, which manifests itself in the rupture of membranes and violation of their integrity – this leads to the formation of wrinkles, loss of elasticity and disruption of the skin’s hydrolipid barrier.
Antioxidation – what is it?
Antioxidation is a process based on antioxidants, also known as antioxidants.
These are compounds responsible for neutralizing free oxygen radicals. An antioxidant is called any substance that shows the ability to eliminate free radicals from the body.
Our skin has such capabilities. In order to counteract free radical damage, it has developed a complex antioxidant defense system, based on the interaction of many specialized assemblies and molecules called “free radicals. free radical scavengers.
In addition to the best-known low-molecular-weight antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha-D-tocopherols (vitamin E) or beta-carotene (vitamin A), the antioxidant system is co-formed by specialized antioxidant and repair enzymes. Among the most important are catalases, glutathione peroxidases and superoxide dismutases. These enzymes form an integrated, highly sensitive and specific antioxidant system referred to as the antioxidant triad.
Antioxidants are delivered to the skin with food, as well as topically, in cosmetics.
The most common antioxidants in cosmetics include:
- vitamins (such as vitamin C, E and A – beta carotene (the extremely popular retinol),
- alpha-lipoic acid, ferulic acid, lactobionic acid
- asiaticoside (asiatic anthrax)
- Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
- gluconolactone
So how do you prevent rapid skin aging?
First of all, a healthy lifestyle. A proper, antioxidant-rich diet is key. However, studies show that the supply of antioxidants in food, is sometimes insufficient, and it is worthwhile to support the skin by using cosmetics topically. Especially in the summer.
Pure Story was created with the idea of maintaining youth, vitality and natural beauty. When you realize that our skin absorbs everything, then you know you want to provide it with only the best.
PureStory’s antioxidant offering
Sera:
- Age Defence Serum – as the name suggests, strongly inhibits skin aging through the coenzyme Q10 and asiaticoside it contains, one of the most potent substances that stimulate collagen formation. Ideal for the night, when the skin needs regeneration.
- POWER Glow Serum – my favorite. A youth bomb consisting of two of the most powerful antioxidants – 15% vitamin C and ferulic acid. Wonderful for hot summer days. Protects the skin from free radicals, ideal for daytime.
- Vitamin Shot Serum – an essential antioxidant serum, containing alpha-D-Tocopherols (the most active form of vitamin E, naturally occurring in the skin) and 10% vitamin C.
- Reti-Youth Serum / POWER Retinol Serum – two products, two different concentrations of pure retinol, or vitamin A, for decent rejuvenation. Ps. use this serum only in autumn and winter, it will stimulate skin renewal after summer.
- POWER Spot Serum – brightening serum with vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid and glabridin. If you are prone to hyperpigmentation, definitely try it out.
Creams:
- Deep Moisture Cream – deep skin hydration enclosed in a jar. The content of hyaluronic acid, lactobionic acid, urea and squalane allows the skin to breathe and relax. And then there’s the unusual smell….
- POWER Spot Cream – brightening cream with arbutin, glabridin and hyaluronic acid. Thanks to these ingredients, it stimulates skin renewal by enhancing the processes of renewal and construction of elastin and collagen fibers. Reduces redness and irritation. How can you not be thrilled?
- POWER Eye Cream Mask – designed for the demanding eye area. It contains troxerutin, ginkgo biloba, lactobionic acid, hyaluronic acid and asiaticoside, among others. It stimulates collagen formation, reduces puffiness and reduces dark circles under the eyes.
“Antioxidant cosmetics are worth using in the morning, as it is during the day that we are most exposed to factors that cause the accumulation of free radicals in the skin.”