Oxidative Stress

We know; you already have enough stress in life to worry about, but there is one more you need to keep an eye on, oxidative stress! It contributes to the loss of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and texture changes. It can exacerbate dark spots and other discoloration. To put it simply, a prolonged state of oxidative stress speeds up the skin’s aging process. 

Oxidative stress starts with molecules called free radicals generated by pollution, sun rays, and everything in between. Even breathing creates free radicals, making them pretty impossible to avoid. If they are a normal byproduct of cell metabolism, why are they so bad? Well, free radicals are molecules or atoms with an uneven number of electrons, making them unstable. This isn't ideal because electrons, like humans, want a partner. This means free radicals will steal electrons from healthy molecules to stabilize themselves, turning that molecule into a free radical, thus continuing the chain reaction of cell damaging responses. If your body's production of free radicals surpasses its ability to control them, the result is oxidative stress.

How to Neutralize Oxidative Stress
At this point, you're probably thinking, how do I control them? First, limit your free radical exposure! Maintain a healthy lifestyle concentrating on stress reduction, eating a balanced diet, protecting yourself from sun and pollutants, along with getting enough sleep. One of the easiest ways to help combat oxidative stress is with antioxidants, both internally and topically. 

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, pairing them up again without turning into free radicals themselves. Antioxidants protect the inner and outer skin from free radicals, the sun, and aid in cellular repair. Some are made by the body, and others are absorbed from diet or topical application. 

You can find antioxidants in all your favorite fruits and vegetables by looking for bright colors. Antioxidants are what give them their vibrant hues. Artichokes have the highest levels of antioxidants of all vegetables! Even spices like ground cinnamon and ground clove contain antioxidants. Skin care products with antioxidants are essential to overall skin health. The topical application loads the skin with a reservoir of protective antioxidants. Research shows topical application of antioxidants has a significant advantage over consumption, with a concentration of up to 40 times more when it comes to caring for the skin. 

So what should you be putting on your skin? Vitamins A, C, and E, green tea extract, niacinamide, glutathione, mandelic acid, caffeine, zinc, and copper, continue to top the list. All have major antioxidant advantages, along with cell regeneration, brightening, and collagen boosting capabilities.

Antioxidants for the Skin

Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant with some serious added benefits, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, peeling impactions from pores, lifting dark pigment, and improving tone and texture. It has a small molecular structure that allows it to penetrate deep into the skin, where it stimulates collagen formation and cell renewal. 

Vitamin C is a very effective free radical scavenger. It is best known for its ability to brighten and inhibit melanin production in the skin. Additionally, it boosts the body’s store of glutathione, another potent antioxidant with brightening powers. Vitamin C is photoprotective, preventing and repairing UVB and UVA ray damage. As if that’s not enough, it helps boost both the quantity and quality of collagen production. 

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps speed up the skin’s healing process, reduce dryness, and guard against sun damage with its ability to absorb energy from ultraviolet light. Vitamin E gets a serious status upgrade when combined with vitamin C. 

Green Tea is a soothing antioxidant that protects cells and DNA from free radical damage and helps maintain healthy collagen formation. It’s also rich in vitamins E and C. Green tea has potent anti-inflammatory properties making it an excellent choice for anyone with rosacea, psoriasis, and sensitive skin. It also reduces sebum production, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. 

Another potent antioxidant is niacinamide or vitamin B3, which helps to improve the skin’s tone and texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide also strengthens the skin’s barrier and calms inflammation, helping to reduce redness, breakouts, and soothe the skin. 

Don’t let oxidative stress stress you out! Remember to eat your fruits and veggies, get enough sleep, be cognizant of the stressors in your life, monitor sun exposure, use sunscreen all year round, and make sure your skincare contains valuable antioxidents! 

Feel Giddie about the skin you’re in,

Emily Giddings, RN