Free radicals are not lovely hippies living in Glastonbury.
In relation to our skin ‘free radicals’ are active little trouble making cells which attack our skin at the deep layers causing absolute havoc and damage!
Think pigmentation, dull skin, lines, wrinkles, redness, dryness etc…
Free radicals are the MAIN CAUSE of premature skin ageing and skin degeneration.
The most common cause of free radicals, which we are all exposed to, is UV light.
UV light is responsible for up to 95% of premature ageing in the skin. Yes, NINTYFIVE PERCENT. That’s massive right?
Other causes of free radical formation are:
- Smoking
- Pollution
- I’ll health
- Diet (ie low in fruit and veg)
- Alcohol (liver damage)
- Sensitised skin
- Medications
Free radical cells attack our skin causing major changes at the deeper levels – where our new baby skin cells are growing and fighting to get to the top and make us look youthful and fresh.
What damage do free radicals cause?
- Collagen breakdown
- Loss of elasticity
- Uneven pigmentation
This process is commonly called photo-ageing.
Photo-ageing is the negative effect on the skin, from many years of free radical damage.
The result of this damage is:
- Wrinkles
- Crepey skin texture and laxity
- Hyperpigmentation
- Potentially serious skin disease
The bottom line – We do not want free radicals damaging our skin because it speeds up the ageing process.
So, what can we do about it?
The easiest and fasted way to protect your skin and kill off these bad cells is to wear a topical antioxidant, every-single-day. Use it as part of your skincare routine every morning. I do not leave home without wearing mine, ever. Whatever the weather.
Of course living a healthy lifestyle, using a decent SPF (broad spectrum minimum SPF 30) daily and being stress-free will help too.
Best Wishes, TSN.