Free Radical damage has come to be the primary cause of aging in humans. What are free radicals? They are simply oxygen molecules that have lost an electron and become unstable and reactive. The main contributors of free radicals are cooked oils, pesticides, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and excessive sun exposure. How does this relate to our skin? Free radicals inhibit the production of collagen; a natural protein molecule that gives our skin a youthful, supple appearance.
Antioxidants are considered to be nutrients that prevent and reverse free radical damage. They come in the form of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E, and tocotrienols. The best way to prevent skin damage and slow the aging process is to apply skin care and ingest foods that are rich in antioxidants. The skin- our bodies largest organ, will absorb nutrients faster than if we were to ingest them. Therefore using skin care that is rich in antioxidants is our best defence against aging.
