Free radicals and antioxidants, what are they anyway? (And what can you do about it?)
True beauty comes from within, but you can always give the outside a little extra help. And besides having beautifully smooth, hair-free legs and underarms, a fresh and radiant complexion is something we all love.
Free radicals are best avoided completely, as these troublemakers are said to be the number one cause of skin aging! At least, that’s what everyone claims.
But is that really true?
Are they as harmful as they say?
And if so, how can you protect yourself from these aggressive little culprits?
Read on to find out!
What Are Free Radicals?
You’re probably not here for a full chemistry lesson, so I’ll keep it short and sweet: our bodies are made up of “buses” (atoms) with “magnets” (electrons).
These magnets attract diseased cells and help remove them from the body. Unfortunately, most buses are already full, meaning we need extras with a free spot.
These are the free radicals.
Free radicals have only one electron instead of two, leaving a spot open. They’re desperate to find a partner and are constantly searching for something to bond with.
Kind of like singles who believe they can only be truly happy once they’ve found their romantic soulmate.
They’re highly unstable and try to make themselves whole again by stealing an electron from other molecules.
(The free radicals, not the singles. Although that kind of “stealing” does happen in real life too, doesn’t it?)
Are All Free Radicals Bad?
Definitely not! Our bodies naturally produce free radicals.
As mentioned earlier, they attach to unhealthy cells or pathogens and leave the body together.
This is a beneficial natural process that helps combat viruses and infections, keeping your health in check!
So Why Are They Seen as Villains?
Too much of anything is bad, and free radicals are no exception! When there’s an excess of free radicals in your body, the balance gets thrown off, and they start to spiral out of control.
In this unbalanced state, the overly eager free radicals latch onto anything they encounter—even healthy cells! (They really have more in common with being single than you might think, don’t they?)
In this unbalanced state, the overly eager free radicals latch onto anything they encounter—even healthy cells!
A chemical reaction called oxidation then takes place, resembling a mini explosion, which triggers a domino effect.
All the cells surrounding the oxidized cells are now at risk of becoming damaged, as losing an electron turns a healthy molecule into a free radical itself.
To stabilize, that molecule will then steal an electron from yet another healthy molecule.
It’s a vicious cycle!
Moreover, every molecule that has been unbalanced is now permanently damaged. If you take a bite out of an apple and leave it for a while, you can see the effect of free radicals with your own eyes.
The apple reacts to the oxygen in the air and quickly turns brown. This is the result of oxidation. The same process happens in your skin, though instead of a few minutes, it takes several decades.
Premature skin aging, DNA damage, and even cancer are just a few of the potential consequences.
What Does This Mean for Your Skin?
Excess free radicals don’t do your skin any favors. They damage your skin’s connective tissue, making it less elastic, which leads to wrinkles and a dull complexion.
Aging is a natural process, and there’s nothing to fear about growing older. It often comes with wisdom and confidence, which is a beautiful thing.
But premature skin aging? No thanks!
Furthermore, oxidative stress can sometimes lead to severe health issues, like skin cancer. That’s why it’s essential to counteract it!
Luckily, our bodies have a natural defense mechanism: antioxidants!
Antioxidants act like lemon juice. Remember the apple example? When you cut an apple and leave it out, it turns brown due to oxidation. A little lemon juice, however, keeps the apple looking fresh.
Antioxidants create a protective barrier, minimizing the damage caused by free radicals. They’re often called “free radical catchers,” but a better nickname might be “generous donors.”
Why?
Because by donating one of their own electrons, they neutralize aggressive “electron junkies” (free radicals)—all without becoming dangerous free radicals themselves!
Vitamins are well-known antioxidants. While your body produces them naturally, it’s not enough to combat all free radicals.
Plus, as you age, your body’s antioxidant levels drop. Between the ages of 30 and 50, these levels can decrease by up to 35%!
Extra help is definitely welcome.
What Causes Free Radicals?
Free radicals are constantly forming as a natural byproduct of breaking down nutrients in your body. We all have them.
However, your lifestyle and environmental factors can significantly influence their levels.
Free Radicals Are Caused By:
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Environmental factors like UV rays and smog
- Medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, and corticosteroids
- Chemicals (e.g., in drinking water or car exhaust)
What Can You Do to Reduce Free Radicals?
If an unhealthy lifestyle causes a surge in free radicals, the solution is probably clear: live a healthy lifestyle!
✔ Protection with Antioxidants
You already know that antioxidants are your knight in shining armor. While your body tries its best, external factors can overwhelm it.
That’s why extra antioxidants are very much welcomed!
Tip! If you’re thinking, “Great, which supplements should I take? I’m ready for an antioxidant overload!”—hold on. Too much is never good.
While you’re unlikely to overdose on antioxidants through food, highly concentrated supplements can cause issues. They might act as pro-oxidants, increasing oxidation and protecting both dangerous cells (like cancer cells) and healthy ones. Balance is key!
✔ Skincare Products
Products packed with antioxidants are fantastic helpers.
For example:
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that combats dull and uneven skin tones.
- Vitamin E: Protects your skin by strengthening its barrier function, reducing free radicals, and minimizing UV damage.
Our YIONN Náinn is loaded with these essentials!
✔ What Should Be on Your Plate?
Answer: healthy, balanced meals rich in antioxidants!
Think leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, beans, legumes, and fatty fish.
On the other hand, avoid processed meats, fried foods, saturated fats, and alcohol.
✔ Quit Smoking
Smoking is bad for nothing at all. Cigarette smoke contains free radicals, and inhaling it is just as harmful to your skin as it is to the rest of your body.
- Drink less alcohol
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated
- Be cautious with sun exposure and use good sun protection
- Avoid stress
- Make time for regular exercise
- Ensure you get enough sleep and enjoy a good night’s rest
In addition to a fresh, radiant complexion thanks to antioxidants and a healthy lifestyle, beautifully smooth, hair-free legs and armpits are also a plus!
So that you can always feel Beautiful, Confident, Yourself, I’m sharing all my beauty secrets with you!
Because yes, true beauty comes from within, and feeling good in your own skin is what truly matters. But that skin can absolutely be beautifully radiant too, right?
Would you like even more useful and interesting beauty tips?
Check out our shop, follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram, & let’s stay in touch!
Did you already know about free radicals and antioxidants, or are you glad the mystery has finally been solved?
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From registered nurse to hair removal expert:
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I know better than anyone what it is like to go through life with shaving discomfort.
After desperately trying every possible way and remedy for red razor bumps and ingrown hairs, I was fed up.
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