What Are Free Radicals? How Do They Age You?

Last updated on July 12th, 2022 at 10:16 pm

It seems like the topic of free radicals is everywhere you turn. Magazines talk about it, and skincare and makeup companies claim that their products contain “free radical fighting ingredients.” Now that’s all very nice, but it got me thinking: What exactly is a free radical? I’m not a scientist, but when clients come to me with questions about free radicals I want to be informed and knowledgeable enough on the subject to be able to discuss it intelligently.

THE FREE RADICALS EXPLAINED

A free radical is essentially an oxygen molecule in the body that has become damaged while interacting with other damaged molecules. In other words, the other molecules did not play nicely, so our sweet oxygen molecule became an angry and reactive bully. In an attempt to repair itself, the damaged oxygen molecule turns around and starts stealing electrons from other healthy molecules.This starts a chain reaction, and before you know it there are unstable molecules running amok and doing major damage to other cell components – the resulting damage manifests itself as loss of skin elasticity (collagen breakdown), wrinkles, and aging in general. (Keep in mind that free radical damage occurs within organs throughout the entire body, not just the skin).

Now before you start to panic, you should know that free radicals are a natural byproduct of normal body processes like eating and breathing. (It’s going to happen no matter how hard you try to prevent it!). Although as natural as this is, there are some extrinsic factors that can create free radicals, including: exposure to pollution, pesticides, the sun’s UV rays, and cigarette smoke.

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FREE RADICAL DAMAGE

There are certain measures that you can take to protect yourself from these extrinsic factors, like using a broad spectrum sunscreen every day (even when it’s cloudy), avoiding smoking, and purchasing organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables that have been grown without pesticides. You can also consider wonderful antioxidants! Antioxidants such as Vitamin C (one of my personal favorites), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Glucosamine, and Vitamin E are excellent free radical fighters that offer additional skin health benefits as well.

Adriana is a Ventura, California-based esthetician who provides services such as facials, waxing, sugaring, and eyelash extensions. She enjoys learning about ingredients in skin care and makeup, and when she is not educating clients on ways to help them achieve beautiful, healthy skin, she is most likely running around Los Angeles and Ventura County enjoying a nice glass or wine or trying to attend as many random concerts and festivals as possible.