Free radicals on the skin and their most damaging effects

There are many factors that can cause skin damage, among these are: free radicals. These are the main causes of premature aging, so they are harmful to health. Know what they are, how to avoid them and which ones are its most harmful effects on skin health.

Free radicals What are they?

Free radicals are known as reactive oxygen molecules, which develop due to certain biochemical reactions. These reactions take place every day in cells found inside the body. The free radicals in the body also known as ROS in its acronym in English, this means "reactive oxygen species".

They are essential in some functions of the body and to carry out cellular metabolism. So an increase of free radicals meaning of problem for the skin and the health in general.

How and why are free radicals formed?

In simple words, when there is oxygen within chemical reactions oxidation occurs, this in turn, makes the molecules unstable. However, there are other factors that accelerate the formation of free radicals in hair and rest of the body.

Environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, poor diet, prolonged exposure to UV rays. These are the factors that stimulate the development of unstable molecules in the body.

It should be noted that aging is a completely natural process that all living beings must go through. However, for this process to be carried out without complications, it is important to maintain the balance of free radicals and antioxidants. If the amount of unstable molecules exceeds that of antioxidants, it will cause negative effects on the body.

What are the effects of free radicals on the skin?

Although the production of these molecules is due to a 100% natural process, in excess they are harmful to the health of the dermis. It is because many of the cells that produce elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid end up damaged as a result of oxidation. These cells are very important for the body, since their function is to maintain the appearance of the skin healthy, firm, free of wrinkles, etc.

For this reason, these molecules are closely linked to premature aging. Since they are the cause of oxidative stress, which significantly reduces the mentioned substances.

The consequences of free radicals on the skin pdf are as follows:

– Accelerates the aging process, unquestionable signs of premature aging appear, such as wrinkles and fine lines. When it comes to free radicals examples like this are usually the most common.

– The dermis becomes more and more flaccid.

– Much of the skin loses elasticity, which significantly deteriorates its appearance, since it looks more fragile and thin.

– Spots are formed in the dermis, especially on the face and hands.

It must be borne in mind that the oxidative stress process considerably reduces the regeneration capacity of the skin. In addition, the production of these molecules becomes uncontrollable and harmful to health.

[You may also be interested in: How do free radicals harm us and how to avoid them]

How to avoid free radicals on the skin?

The production of these molecules is another of the natural processes that the body executes on a daily basis. But it is essential to reduce these molecules and increase the antioxidants to reduce the harmful effects in the body. Similarly, preventing damage caused by external factors as much as possible is key to knowing how to avoid free radicals on the skin.

If there are still doubts regarding actions to reduce the negative effects of radicals, it is best to follow the following tips:

Increase consumption of anti-free radical foods

A good diet is always essential to have a healthy body free of harmful diseases. In this case, the best option is to consume food anti-free radicals, these should be added to the daily diet.

The main basis of a diet to reduce unstable molecules should focus on vitamins A, C and E. Minerals, proteins, beta-carotenes, omega 3 and of course, antioxidants are also important.

Some of the foods with the highest antioxidant content are:

• Fruits such as raspberry, grapefruit, blueberries, apricot, lemon, orange, grape, kiwi, strawberries, pomegranate, mango, etc.
• Green vegetables such as endive, spinach, chard, broccoli, avocado.
• Vegetables such as carrots, squash, cabbages, peppers, tomatoes.
• Nuts such as walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts and almonds.
• Also blue fish such as tuna, mackerel or salmon.

Lead healthy lifestyle habits

Sleeping at least eight hours is another of the important tips for caring for the dermis and preventing premature aging. In addition, exercising and drinking enough water a day improve the quality of life. Similarly, avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Protect the skin from UV rays

It is never advisable to leave the house without applying sunscreen, especially during the summer season. UV rays are just one of the factors that accelerate the production of unstable molecules in the body. Causing quite negative effects that become harmful over time. If you are going to take a little sun, it is best to do it with caution, making sure that the exposure time is not prolonged.

Use products to clean and care for the dermis

Today, it is common to use a wide variety of cosmetic products that are intended to care for the skin. The truth is that sometimes it is difficult to choose which is the best when it comes to cleaning and improving the appearance of it. However, the most recommended are those that help get rid of impurities and at the same time, are moisturizing.

Likewise, the products that are chosen must be made with ingredients that help reduce the effects of radicals. That is, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, beta carotenes, etc.

Finally, before using any method that helps balance the production of these molecules, it is advisable to see a doctor. Many choose to seek the help of a dermatologist so that he can indicate the best treatment to follow.

Health care is not a game, so you always have to take care of yourself. Especially when it comes to health, an organ as important as the skin.

Sources:

biooil care

green ecology

origincosmetics