What are free radicals, and how to protect our skin from them?
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are unpaired electrons that attack and damage the cells in the body and skin.
Much like pollutants, free radicals are everywhere. At the beginning, the harm they cause can be miniscule. However, being highly unstable molecules that attack the structural layer and defense barrier of the skin, they can reduce the production of collagen, melanin pigments, and age the skin over time.
Where do free radicals comes from?
As mentioned, free radicals are everywhere. They are formed by normal bodily functions as a part of the natural aging process. However, certain factors like oxidative stress can cause excess production of free radicals that will cause a loss of elasticity and dryness – signs of premature aging of the skin.
Examples of oxidative stress:
- Air pollution
- Exposure to the sun (UV radiation)
- Smoking
- Poor dietary habits and excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical and psychological stress
How to fight free radicals:
Note that free radicals are essential to your body and it’s unnecessary to fight its natural production. However, we can take a few precautions to ensure your skin stay protected from excessive exposure.
Antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E are compounds that can be found in food and skin care products, which protect your cells by offering up electrons to satisfy free radicals’ needs. In other words, antioxidants help to reduce the damage done to cells in the body and skin.
The best way to give yourself extra antioxidants is to consume a diet full of antioxidant-rich foods and use properly formulated skin products. There are also other ways to fight against free radicals such as:
Cleansing & Exfoliation: This helps to remove the pollution particles from your skin. You may also consider our triple hydrogen therapy, which are 3 treatments at one go. This treatment helps to deep cleanse your skin, removing free radicals and killing bacteria.
You can click here to find out more about Triple Hydrogen Therapy treatment.
Sunscreen: Most free-radical formation comes from UV radiation. Using a sunscreen that has antioxidants built-in helps manage free radical and with repairing cell damage.
Antioxidant-Rich food: Consume plenty of antioxidant-rich foods that has protein, vitamins and minerals, as they can help to fight toxins and free radicals. At the same time, they will also help to boost your immune system!
Reduce oxidative stress: Engaging in moderate exercise and having a balanced lifestyle can reduce and prevent excessive free radicals from attacking your healthy cells in your body and skin.
If you are interested with our Triple Hydrogen Therapy to help manage free radicals, feel free to contact us at +65 9728 2861 to schedule a comprehensive assessment.