Antioxidants
The world of Cosmetic Skin Care can be very confusing. In our practice we spend time educating our clients and base our recommendations from science. Take a moment and learn the science behind Antioxidants.
Yes, we all (hopefully all) wear a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen each day to protect our skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays- but what about the exposure to atmospheric pollution, emotional stress, infarared light, and many other factors that create Free Radicals?
What is a Free Radical and how does it effect my skin?
A Free Radical is formed when an atom or molecule bears an unpaired electron, leaving it "free" and extremely reactive.
Damage due to free-radicals isn't something that is easily explained, as it happens on an atomic level. When oxygen molecules are involved in chemical reactions, they usually lose one electron of their electrons. In turn these molecules, which are now called free-radicals, will take electrons from nearby molecules. This will set off a chain reaction that is summarily called free-radical damage.
So pretty much anything that contains oxygen - carbon monoxide, hydrogen peroxide - can cause free-radical damage. Often the causes of adverse free-radical damage in the natural world are exhaust fumes, too much sunlight, and other sources that contain oxygen.
Free-radicals are linked to the origins of cancer, illness, an aging and they are definitely harmful to the skin! Free-radicals initiate the deterioration of the skin's structural support and decrease the elasticity, resilience, and suppleness of skin.
How can we help to control Free Radical Damage?
Antioxidants! In order for antioxidants (AOX) to help in neutralizing Free Radical Damage, they need to to enter the intracellular space of the skin to do its job. Most department store products do not have the proper concentration to enter the skin and therefore just sit on top. Obagi L- asborbic acids, Vitamin C 10, 15, and 20 percent, are fomulated to enter the cells and protect from damage to the cell wall.
Please visit:
http://www.modernaesthetics.com/2014/02/topical-antioxidants-assessing-the-science-celebrating-a-scientist
to read an amazing article about the science behind Free Radicals and how Antioxidants can help!
I would also love to hear any questions or feedback you may have! Please contact me, Jenae, at jenae.wdfplasticsurgery@gmail.com or by calling our office at 515.421.4299.
Thanks for reading!