How can you slow down skin aging?
Perhaps one of the most popular and accepted theories of aging is the free radical theory. This means the huge amount of free radicals causes skin problems, such as wrinkles, inelasticity, staining, so they are responsnible for almost all the external skin problems.
So what is the free radical?
A molecule with unpaired electrons, which „stoles“ some electrons from other molecules to be stable. This starts a never ending chain reaction, because the molecule, who was stolen wants to be stable again, so it will stole from an other one. This reaction can be found in nature, for example the oxidation of the iron, which leads to corrosion and disintegration. The reaction is same in the skin, this attacks the proteins, fats, and also the DNA, which harms the structure of the skin.
Our body is prepared with an „antioxidant army“ to cope with the free radicals.
Ozone, smoking and polluted air speed up the genesis of the free radicals.
Before we clearly criticize these reactive molecules, we can say that they are not as bad as we think, they allow and reveal signaling inside cells.
The problem is always missing the balace, which leads to oxidative stress. So, if the free radicals beat the antioxidant army, it leads to free robbery, speed up the aging process.
1. Enzymatic antioxidants
Superoxide dismutase: this is an endogenous antioxidant, so our body is able to produce it itself, but with the help of modern cosmetics we can deliver it through the skin, supporting our inner resources.
2. Non-enzymatic antioxidants
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that activates the function of the skin cells. Extracted from plants in the form of beta-carotene and applied on the skin reduces sunlight-caused skin damage and increases the collagen synthesis.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), which is a vital antioxidant, but cannot be generated in our body. It is necessary for the formation of our elastic fibers, it makes the skin fresh and, due to its skin lightening effect, helps to reduce the color irregularities caused by the skin aging. It has fading effect.
Vitamin E (Tocoferol), which is also an endogenous antioxidant generated in our body, but can be depleted due to aging and environmental pollution. It helps form collagen crosslinks and prevents the fats' oxidation.
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), an endogenous vitamin-like compound that all the cells need for the energy generation. The human body is able to produce it, but after the age of 30 it is no longer typical. Its structure is similar to the structure of vitamin E, but its antioxidant capacity is more significant. Its effect can be characterized by slowing down the aging process and the energetic recharging of the skin.
3. Polyphenols
Polyphenols are in dozens of foods that are usually plant-based and high in antioxidants. It has several subcategories such as flavonoids, flavones, catechins, phenolic acid, isoflavonoids, and many other compounds with similar properties.
It is important to know that different antioxidants protect against different types of free radicals and, moreover, in different parts of the cells, in different parts of the body. Therefore, their combination provides greater protection than when used alone. For example, vitamin E can inhibit the oxidation of beta-carotene. Vitamin C also helps with the regeneration of vitamin E and beta-carotene, but also works in conjunction with other enzymes. So in summary, it’s best to use products that deploys as many antioxidants as possible in your own defensive army.
