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Fri–Tue 9:30 – 18:00. Wed & Thu 9:30 – 20:00. Sun Closed.
Free radicals have become buzzwords in skincare circles, often mentioned in conversations about aging, damage, and skin health. But what exactly are they? How do they impact our skin? And most importantly, how can we combat their harmful effects?
At their core, free radicals are unstable atoms with unpaired electrons. Due to this instability, they interact with other molecules, leading to potentially harmful chain reactions known as oxidation. This process damages cell proteins and DNA, altering their chemical structure. Though our bodies naturally produce free radicals, external factors pollution, tobacco smoke and sun exposure can introduce an excess of these harmful molecules.
Consequences on Skin
When free radicals initiate oxidative stress, the different layers of our skin are affected, resulting in signs of aging such as:
In the skin's outer layer specifically (the epidermis), oxidative stress can cause increased water loss, irregular melanin distribution, reduced cell turnover, and thinning. Deeper within, in the dermis, oxidative stress disrupts collagen, elastin synthesis, weakening skin structure and reducing elasticity.
Antioxidants: The Hero Molecules
Antioxidants are our primary defense against the ravages of free radicals. These beneficial molecules can donate an electron to stabilise a free radical without destabilising themselves, halting the chain reaction before it causes more damage.
While our bodies naturally produce antioxidants, as we age, the repair processes become less effective, making the application of topical antioxidants crucial. For instance, Vitamin C, a direct antioxidant, captures free radicals before they act, while melatonin, an indirect antioxidant, repairs molecules that free radicals have already damaged.
Antioxidants provide numerous benefits, including:
Dietary Intake: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, spinach, dark chocolate, and green tea.
Serums: These have high concentrations of active ingredients and penetrate the skin effectively. Look for serums that contain Vitamin C, resveratrol, niacinamide, and other antioxidants.
Sunscreen: Choose one infused with antioxidants for double protection against UV rays and free radicals.
Nightly Application: While it was once recommended to use antioxidants in the morning, using them at night has now been recognised as equally essential. They help repair damage from the day and stimulate our body's antioxidant production while we sleep.
To combat free radical damage further, Rachel Staggs Aesthetics offers treatments tailored to restore your skin’s health and vibrancy. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and research, our treatments delve deep into the skin's layers to counteract damage, stimulate regeneration, and provide long-lasting protection against free radicals. And while in clinic treatments are the best way to combat this problem, an efficient at home skincare routine is also essential.
At RSA we work closely with some of the best medical grade skincare brands in the aesthetics field to provide you with that personalised plan.
Alumier MD's ever active c and e is one of the best anti oxidants available, providing a vitamin c serum containing 15% L ascorbic acid which is mixed by you the client. This ensures the most stable and effective application.
Used in conjunction with one of their super efficient mineral sunscreens - you can make sure your skin is best prepared to deal with this problem.
HYPO 21 is also a great addition to reduced inflammation in the skin and rebuild and repair the skins natural barrier function.
Contact us today to explore the right treatment plan for your unique skin needs and embrace a rejuvenated, radiant complexion.
So, while free radicals pose a significant threat to your skin's health and appearance, with the right tools and knowledge, we can combat their effects and enjoy healthy, youthful skin for years to come.
Remember, the key is prevention, protection, and timely intervention.
Sure, you have your cleansing routine down pat but you still feel that your overall look is lacking some ‘oomph’. Is your skin’s dullness bringing you down? Fret not! Because Vitamin C is just what you need to give your skin the brightening brilliance it so deserves!
We have previously written about this.
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