Free Radical Damage
Our bodies are made up of, on average, around 60 trillion skin cells and each day those skin cells take around 1000 free radical hits. A free radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron in an outer shell and, unfortunately for our skin, they are highly reactive and closely associated with oxidative damage. They will attack the skin in the hunt for stability causing oxidation damage to the cells; this in turn leads to premature ageing, sensitivity, pigmentation and, it’s suggested, more serious diseases. Free radicals can be found almost everywhere; in certain unhealthy foods we eat, the pollution within a city centre, the sun in the height of summer, medication, cigarettes and in alcohol, to name but a few.
By following a routine designed to comprehensively guard against free radical damage, skin can be protected against this premature deterioration. The best way to tackle free radical damage is through anti free radicals or antioxidants, which are molecules found in vitamins that act as a shield between skin cells and unstable free radicals, limiting the amount of damage that can be done. The most powerful anti free radicals are vitamins C and E so by introducing these into your diet and skincare routine, you’ll soon see and feel the benefits in both your body and skin.
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