What is a free radical?
Our skin is exposed to various aggressive effects of the environment such as sunlight (UV), and both chemical and physical agents (smoking, pollution, poor nutrition, stress…), which cause damage to the skin. These agents interact with our skin components leading to the formation of free radicals.
Free radicals can be both enemies and friends. Free radicals can be good where they help to boost our immune systems by destroying bacteria or viruses but can also be bad if they are formed in the wrong places. Free radicals react with our skin components like DNA, lipid, or trigger an enzyme that breaks down collagen in our skin and causes skin damage and inflammations such as wrinkles, fine lines, thinning skin, hyperpigmentation, or even skin cancer.
Free radicals are molecules or substances with an unpaired electron, so they are unstable and super reactive. They take electrons from everything around them to become more stable. The substance that loses an electron to the free radical becomes a free radical itself. And a chain reaction continues.
How to prevent free radicals after their formation?
Here is why we need antioxidants.
An antioxidant is a substance that can neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their electrons but can still remain stable. This helps break the chain reactions that affect the other healthy molecules in a cell or cells in the body.
The Network Antioxidant
Within the body, there is a dynamic interplay between 5 key antioxidants: Vitamin C and vitamin E, Ubiquinol (Coenzyme- Q10), Lipoic Acid, and Glutathione.
These special antioxidants work together to boost and strengthen the entire system. When combined, they greatly enhance the activity of one another, helping the body to maintain the antioxidant balance.
In terms of skincare, which antioxidant ingredients are commonly used?
The top antioxidants in skincare products are L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E also known as tocopherol, niacinamide a form of vitamin B3 and ferulic acid.
Choosing the right antioxidants depends on your skin type. Vitamin C is good for combination or dry skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, niacinamide is a safe bet. While vitamin E and ferulic acid are generally tolerated for skin types.
How to use antioxidant serum?
Apply it after the cleanser step in your skincare routine if you don’t use a toner, followed by serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Reference
Barel, A., Paye, M., Maibach, H., Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology 2001, 463-470
School of natural skin care international, The role of vitamins and antioxidants
