You probably know what free radicals and antioxidants are, but do you realize their importance when it comes to the health of your skin?
When unpaired electrons (called reactive oxygen species) steal an electron from a nearby molecule that molecule is now damaged. There is a domino effect as that molecule steals an electron from the next cell o fill it's required outer pair. Eventually the damage builds up and the resulting cells no longer function the way they should. Cells that no longer function as they once did result in aging skin. But, there are defenses that we can adopt to fight these free radicals and preserve our skin health. Here are the nuts and bolts of how to do this:
Adopt some healthy changes in your diet.
Increase the amount you move every day. Exercise can cause increased mitochondrial energy and even create new mitochondria to keep up with the demand for energy.
Adopt a potent regimen of antioxidants and growth factors, both through your diet and by including them in your performance treatment products. This may positively alter how your genes express themselves, protecting you and your skin.
Antioxidants work by suppressing the formation of free radicals and activating defense systems against oxidative stress. This includes prevention, scavenging of radicals, repair, and adaptation. By scavenging free radicals, antioxidants can address lipid peroxidation (damage to the cells membranes) by delaying or inhibiting cellular damage. Antioxidants can interact with free radicals, stopping the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged, thereby maintaining the structure and function of the cell membrane. The skin can absorb antioxidant nutrients through diffusion and intercellular signaling pathways, providing various levels of protection.
The skin's natural repair system includes antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, various forms of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and CoQ10. Plus, the skin contains nutrients such as lycopene, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and ascorbic acid.
Vitamin A (retinoids) are important antioxidants that can be naturally found in skin. Topical Retinoids include retinol, retinaldyhide and retinal palmitate. They can help with skin health by:
Reducing the signs of aging: Retinoids can reduce lines &wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and roughness; mostly from it's ability to speed up the creation of newer fresher cells which lead to the exfoliation of the older, damaged cells.
Protecting from skin cancer: Retinoids can help lower the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Soothing acne and rosacea: Retinoids can calm irritation and redness from inflammatory skin conditions.
Boosting hydration: Retinoids can increase moisture retention in the epidermis.
Improving elasticity: Retinoids can stimulate collagen production to enhance skin's firmness and resilience.
In foods, retinoids are found in dark, leafy greens and other colorful fruits and vegetables, especially orange colored veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Interestingly, the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) contains more antioxidants than the inner layer (dermis) due to exposure to light and the skin's natural protective response. Despite being the largest organ in the human body, the skin is the last to receive nutrients from the bloodstream as other organs are given priority. Consuming antioxidants rich foods is important because they help protect the skin internally by providing antioxidant protection to the cells.
Ingesting Vitamin A rich food is crucial for skin protection as it enhances the body's ability to provide some level of sun protection (depending on dietary vitamin A intake) and may reduce the inflammatory response induced by UV rays. Furthermore, studies have shown that fibroblasts are significantly capable of reducing lipid per-oxidation caused by UVB rays through Vitamin A corticoids. The most effective antioxidant combination utilizes both topical and systemic introduction of this vitamin.
Vitamin C: is an antioxidant that is essential for collagen production. It removes extensive free radicals and repairs oxidized vitamin E. You can get about 60% of the amount of Vitamin C you need to induce the production of collagen from a correctly formulated Vitamin C Serum - like our C & E Antioxidant Serum. The rest you must get from your diet.
Vitamin E: is important for the neutralization of singlet oxygen (another free radical) in the cell membrane and prevention of lipid per-oxidation. Cell membranes are an essential components of cell for protection, hydration and keeping out toxins. This process is strengthened by the addition of Vitamin C. Vitamin C refurbishes Vitamin E as it hands off the free radical electron to Vitamin C. Now Vitamin E can continue it's very important antioxidant function.
Resveratrol: inhibits UV-induced radiation and DNA mutation. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant and SIRT1 booster believed to protect against DNA damage and cell death, boost cellular antioxidant defenses, and increase cellular lifespan. It improves elasticity, reduces sensitivity and addresses deeper signs of aging.
Green Tea: EGCG inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid per-oxidation, two of the most damaging free radicals for skin. EGCG is one of green tea’s most active molecules, it has powerful antioxidant capacities and soothing properties; captures free radicals, detoxifies and helps prevent the aging effects of stress and pollution.
Combine the protective qualities of sunscreen with a collection of antioxidant packed serums like Sunrise Solution and C & E Antioxidant Serum to increase the efficacy of your sunscreen and fortifying your skin's defenses against damage
Remember, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"
Elizabeth believes in "Longevity Skincare", the idea that beautiful skin can endure throughout one's lifetime when utilizing the best that science and nature has to offer. LONGEVITY is a science - based skincare line that appreciates skin of all ages. LONGEVITY by Elizabeth Renee provides hydration, nutrition and protection from environmental aging. Your skin will receive high performance ingredients to help energize and repair its cells, resulting in a healthy skin with an enduring, vital glow.
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