Free Radicals & Antioxidants

Written by Annemarie Hartung

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skincare | fashion

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15 Apr, 2021

Free Radicals & Antioxidants

Everyday, an unimaginable number of chemical reactions happen in our bodies. These include anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) reactions and they make up what is referred to as “metabolism”. As with most processes, waste byproducts are produced. These waste products are called “free radicals”. They are the main contributors to the ageing of our skin. Our bodies can naturally fight free radicals. However, if the genes that do this do not function properly, we need antioxidants from food, supplements and skin products to help us fight these free radicals.

WHERE DO FREE RADICALS COME FROM?

There are countless factors that contribute to the creation of free radicals, such as chemicals in junk foods, too little oxygen, too much oxygen, air pollution, to name a few.

A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron in their outer shell which, in a bid for stability, goes around “hunting” for an electron to keep the unpaired one company. This can be electrons from proteins or DNA molecules damaging them and turning them into free radicals in the process!

WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?

Antioxidants are molecules that donate an electron to a free radicals without becoming free radicals themselves. Our bodies have the ability to produce antioxidants naturally but they are usually not enough so we need to get them through our diets and skincare products.

WHERE CAN I GET ANTIOXIDANTS FROM?

Mainly from foods rich in vitamins C and E. These vitamins can be found in veggies, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, berries and many other foods, and, let’s not forget…coffee!

When vitamin C and E buddy up they actually recycle themselves and become antioxidants again! Usually once an antioxidant donates an electron they become active.

WHICH PRODUCTS CONTAIN ANTIOXIDANTS?

Next time you visit your skin care professional ask them to recommend a product best suited for your skin. When making your selection, ensure that the good stuff is contained in the serum, moisturizer or a sunscreen that stays on the skin.

SOME PRODUCTS THAT WORK FOR ME