How Free Radicals Affect Skin Aging

We can define free radicals as very unstable molecules , which are produced by various chemical reactions in which other molecules are broken. There are different types of free radicals depending on the number of atoms they have, if they have one less electron or one more. The free radicals that most affect the skin are those derived from chemical reactions of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon.

¿ How free radicals are formed exactly? The truth is that the presence of oxygen in chemical reactions causes oxidation and these unstable molecules appear, but factors such as tobacco smoke, environmental pollution, ultraviolet radiation, an inadequate diet that greatly affects the formation of free radicals within us, and so on. So, as examples of free radicals we can mention the molecules of environmental pollution, tobacco smoke and cars, the sun’s rays, as well as the molecules that are produced inside us when we breathe, metabolize food, etc. .

Most free radicals have negative effects on our body, as these effects include:

• They produce premature aging of the skin and other organs.
• They alter the DNA.
• They favor the appearance of some diseases.

It is a natural process, as our body ages, but the problem is serious when the balance between free radicals and antioxidants is lost and the former become much more than the latter.

In a simple way, we can say that free radicals affect skin aging by accelerating it , since they promote oxidative stress and accelerate the aging of the whole body, but we see it very reflected in the skin.

What exactly happens is that UVA and UVB radiation, which cause free radicals to be produced in the body, and external free radicals that enter the dermis, act on it, accelerating the degradation of basic proteins, such as elastin and collagen and even cause DNA damage.

Thus, among the effects of free radicals on the body and on the skin, we can highlight the premature aging of the entire organism, which is more visible on the skin and hands, but which also happens in any other internal and external part of the body. . Therefore, oxidative stress or the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, the former being more, can cause damage to the skin, hair and nails to damage to various internal organs.

Some examples of how free radicals affect the skin when they are excessive in the body are loss of elasticity and firmness, blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, skin allergies, etc.

There are types of free radicals that we cannot combat, such as those produced by our body with normal functioning, such as in respiration, and there are also those that are good for being antioxidants. Yes, although it may seem strange, there are antioxidant free radicals.

Why is it good that they are antioxidants? The key is that antioxidants like these, or like the antioxidant vitamins C and E, are the best way to fight free radicals . But exactly how do antioxidant vitamins act on free radicals ? The truth is that it is simple, since they act by slowing down the chemical reactions that occur during the oxidation of cells, that is, they prevent what causes their aging. Specifically, by joining with free radicals they cause them to oxidize them instead of the cells of our body.

Thus, starting from this base, we give you several tips on how to combat free radicals and avoid premature aging of the skin and our entire body:

• Avoid makeup abuse and environmental dirt, such as car smoke , from accumulating on your skin. To do this, it is best to use makeup removers daily and micellar water, as well as to perform skin cleansing and body scrubs on a regular basis.
• Of course, avoid bad habits like tobacco and alcohol.
• Eat foods that contain a large amount of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, but also coenzyme Q10, carotenes, selenium, zinc, copper and flavonoids. Some of these foods are blueberries, pomegranates, mango, melon, kiwi, apples, strawberries, bananas, carrots, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, potatoes, parsley, cabbages, pumpkin, peppers, tomatoes, whole grains, green tea and other teas, wine, dairy, egg yolk, shellfish, and so on. It is always better if they are produced in the most natural way possible, little or no processed, for example organic food.
• Sunbathe, as the body and especially the skin directly need it to be healthy, but always protect yourself with sunscreen and shadows to avoid burning yourself and avoid heat stroke.
• Also remember to hydrate yourself well, especially when it’s hot or you exercise.
• Acquire specific products to protect and treat parts of the body where the effects of free radicals on the skin are strongest. For example, you can get products such as the eye contour, anti-aging creams, such as anti-blemishes and anti-wrinkles. To find a good product that is right for you, you can consult studies and analyzes of the most effective on the market.

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