What are Free Radicals and why are Antioxidants so important?

What are Free Radicals and why are Antioxidants so important?

WHAT ARE FREE RADICALS?

A free radical is a molecule that contains unpaired electrons. When a molecule loses an electron, the molecule oxidises and becomes unstable. A free radical will look to repair it’s electron pairing, in order to re-stabilise. They do this by ‘stealing’ electrons from balanced cells and set off a chain reaction of damage. If there are no available electrons, or if the free radical production is excessive, damages occurs and causes oxidative stress.

Free radicals occur naturally and are affected by external stressors, such as pollution, UV rays and cigarette smoke. They can be formed during normal bodily activities such as when cells burn food for energy or when the body is fighting a virus. Generally free radicals aren’t dangerous. When our cells are exposed to external stressors, it creates a larger quantity of free radicals in the body.

 

DO FREE RADICALS CAUSE AGEING?

When free radicals are unable to claim electrons from other balanced molecules, they can create chaos within cells. Destabilised skin cells can lead to signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging of skin, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Alongside premature ageing, free radical damage can cause skin dullness and reduce the look and feel of healthy skin.

 

WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidant is a general term for any compound that can counteract free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons, and return them to a stable state. In making this sacrifice, they act as a natural "off" switch for free radicals. This helps break a chain reaction that can affect other cells in the body. Because free radicals are so pervasive, you need a good supply of antioxidants to disable them. Your body’s cells naturally produce powerful antioxidants.

 

HOW TO PREVENT FREE RADICAL DAMAGE 

Free radicals are a part of life. Exposure to common stressors is part of life, but there are measures we can take to effectively protect our skin from free radical damage. The foods we eat can be rich in antioxidants – cocoa, blueberries and white tea to name a few. You also need to incorporate antioxidant rich skincare into your skincare routine to prevent premature skin aging.

 

  • INCORPORATE ANTIOXIDANTS INTO YOUR SKINCARE

Antioxidants are a powerful anti-aging tool - they protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. By incorporating antioxidant rich skincare into your skincare routine, you’ll improve the health of your skin. Remi Organics has a strong focus on antioxidant rich ingredients which help to decrease dullness, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, decrease hyperpigmentation and dark spots, slow the signs of aging and give your skin a healthy glow.

Ingredients like astaxanthin, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive leaf extract, white tea extract and resveratrol are powerful, antioxidant-rich, natural ingredients that we use in our formulas.

  • USE NIACINAMIDE 

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a skin loving vitamin that is found naturally in wholegrains, legumes, and certain green vegetables. It is essential for the health of your cell metabolism.

It helps protect from UV light damage for healthy looking skin. It reduces discoloration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It improves skin elasticity and rebalances uneven skin tone. It also provides a blemish-free, and refined skin appearance.

  • WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY

Sunscreen should be an integral part of your skincare routine, especially under the harsh Australian sun. As UV damage is a major cause of free radicals, regular sunscreen application can help to protect skin from free radical damage. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily. 

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