One cannot remove free radicals from the natural equation of life. They are produced when food is oxidized in order to produce energy. But free radicals aren’t really good for the body. In fact they bring a myriad of disadvantage to our system, but more easily evident on the skin.
Free radicals are linked to a number of problems, from simple illness to cancers. But one effect that can be readily visible is skin aging.
What it does is that it initiates the deterioration of the structural support of the skin. As a result, its elasticity, smoothness, suppleness and resilience gradually lessen. This results to loss of skin elasticity and wrinkles.
Free radical damage is a complicated process that may be rather difficult to explain because all this occur at an atomic level. Chemical reactions occur inside our body every second. There are instances where oxygen molecules are involved in the chemical reaction. And when this happens oxygen loses an electron which is called free radicals.
Free radicals latch on to electron from other nearby molecules which results into a destructive chain reaction called free-radical damage.
So what are the culprits that set off this reaction? This include too much sunlight, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, and radiation.
Being constantly exposed to these environmental hazards can eventually take a toll on your skin, eventually speeding up the aging process. And sometimes avoidance can’t do enough that is why you need to get the help that you need from anti-oxidants. These molecules will serve as an army that helps defends your body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Antioxidants prevent the destructive effect of free radicals by interrupting its interaction with other molecules. This halts the chain reaction process that it is supposed to initiate. Even more good news is that antioxidants can actually be found in the body and even in plant sources.
Sources of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, flavonoids and glutathione to name a few.
But why do we still get wrinkles when in fact we have antioxidants in our system?
Studies show that skin aging or other skin related problems occur because of free radical damage that cannot be handled the naturally occurring antioxidants. This is also aggravated by the fact that you are also not getting enough of it in your diet. As a result, skin cells start to break down affecting its ability for optimum functioning.
Companies are now making lotions and creams formulated with antioxidants. However the concern here is that there isn’t any hard proof whether this is effective. That is why it is most advisable to get the help that you need through diet or multivitamin supplements. Eating the right fruits and vegetables or supplementing your diet can help you achieve the right amount of antioxidants to battle harmful free radical damage.
Even though these may not show results overnight, this practice can certainly stifle the effects of free radicals to the skin. If you want to keep that youthful glow that natural way, make sure to bank on antioxidants by eating healthy.
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