SKIN ACADEMY
The Science of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are the hardest-working skin-care ingredients in the game. Not only do they scavenge free radicals ~ the number one skin-aging culprits to promote a brighter, more even complexion, they're also the superstars at nixing fine lines and keeping skin looking fresh. Antioxidants are often considered the fountain of youth by skin-care professionals and experts. They protect, prevent, and limit free radical damage, and some assist with hydration and inflammation. Not only will your skin be better looking, but it will also be healthier in general!
Reduce ANTIOXIDANT STREsS & PREVENT FREE-RAIDICAL DAMAGE
Protect & Prevent with Vitamin C.
The only bioavailable form of vitamin C for the skin ~ L-ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage caused by the sun and pollution. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening & evening out skin-tone.
PRESCRIPTION L-ASCORBIC ACIDLet's start with an introduction.
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent oxidative reactions by donating an electron to a free radical without becoming destabilized. They are sometimes referred to as “free radical scavengers”. Different antioxidants work via different mechanisms to neutralize damage. There are five antioxidants naturally found in the body: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione, and ubiquinone. Antioxidants are the skin’s natural way to protect itself from free radicals. But daily exposure to free radicals causes this supply to dry up, making supplementation essential. Topical antioxidants have been shown to protect skin from damaging free radicals caused by UV rays. AlumierMD sunscreens and other formulations are packed with a wide array of skin-shielding antioxidants.
What are free radicals & how do they damage the skin?
Free radicals are molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons making them highly unstable and reactive with other molecules. Free radicals are generated by the sun’s UV and infrared rays, pollution, stress, alcohol, and smoking.
Free radicals can interact with cell components such as DNA, proteins or lipids to steal their electrons for the purpose of becoming stabilised. This destabilises the cell component molecules, which then look for and steal an electron from another molecule, triggering a cascade of free radical reactions. Free radicals damage cells and their DNA which, over time, results in visible signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, reduced firmness, and skin cancer. Sunscreen is a must for protecting the skin from free radicals, but it is important to remember that sunscreen only protects up to 55% of free radicals.
What is on the horizon?
A recent study from Yale University published in the Journal Science (2015) showed UV-induced free radical damage to DNA continued for hours following sun exposure. This finding indicates that damage continues to occur when you are indoors, “in the dark”, after spending time in the sun. The UV energy absorbed in melanin sets up a series of chemical reactions. When UV rays hit our skin, they can cause DNA mutations. Melanin has been known to protect the skin by absorbing the radiation. But what happens to the energy that gets absorbed by melanin?
The study from Yale University showed the high-energy melanin sets up a series of chemical reactions, creating a very high-energy molecule that breaks apart and releases the energy holding it together. They propose that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species induced by UV rays excite an electron in melanin. This energy is then transferred back to DNA, causing the same damage as UV rays but in the dark.
Further research is needed in this field. However, we can best protect ourselves by using an antioxidant-rich broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Applying an antioxidant serum following sun exposure could potentially stop some of the continued free radical damage.