What are Free Radicals and how do they damage your skin?
Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules that can cause cellular damage. They’re formed when molecules lose or gain electrons, resulting in an imbalance. In an attempt to stabilize, these reactive particles seek out other molecules to "steal" electrons from—a process known as oxidation.
Once a molecule loses an electron, it becomes a free radical itself, creating a chain reaction. This ongoing cycle is what leads to oxidative stress, damaging cells, accelerating aging, and potentially contributing to various diseases.
Are All Free Radicals Harmful?
Not all free radicals are bad. In fact, the body naturally produces them as part of its normal biological processes. Free radicals help the immune system fight infections and aid in tissue repair. The problem arises when there’s an overproduction of these unstable molecules—often triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors—which overwhelms the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.
Where Do Excess Free Radicals Come From?
There are several common sources of excess free radical production:
- Sun exposure (UV radiation)
- Air pollution, cigarette smoke, and chemical exposure (pesticides, herbicides)
- Alcohol, recreational drugs, and tobacco
- Certain medications or prolonged use of antibiotics
- Unhealthy diets—especially those high in sugar, trans fats, and synthetic additives
- Overexertion during exercise
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Chronic stress, which increases cortisol and oxidative load
Understanding Oxidation, Oxidized Molecules, and Oxidative Stress
- Oxidation occurs when free radicals steal electrons from healthy molecules, damaging parts of the cell including DNA, proteins, and lipids.
- Molecules that have lost electrons are considered oxidized, and they, in turn, become free radicals.
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Oxidative stress happens when the body has more free radicals than it can neutralize with antioxidants, leading to widespread cellular damage.
Health Conditions Linked to Oxidative Stress
Excessive oxidative stress has been linked to a wide range of health concerns:
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation
- Type 2 diabetes
- Vision problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration
- Certain cancers
- Skin aging, including wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of firmness
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Hair thinning and texture changes
The Impact of Free Radicals on Your Skin
On the skin, free radicals damage collagen, elastin, and cellular DNA. Over time, this leads to loss of firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, dryness, and uneven pigmentation. Because the skin's natural renewal process also slows with age, dead skin cells accumulate, contributing to a dull, tired appearance.
What Products Rich in Antioxidants does Rejuvent Recommend?
We recommend adding an antioxidant-rich serum, cream or lotion to your skincare routine in the AM and PM and we recommend applying a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.
Antioxidant Serums, Lotions, and Creams:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
– Protects against free radical damage, brightens, and firms the skin. Ideal for all skin types even sensitive and dry skin.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
– Protects against free radical damage and helps brighten pigmentation. Ideal for normal, oily, combination, and aging skin types. Liquid formula.
SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+
– Protects against free radical damage and helps brighten pigmentation. Ideal all types including sensitive skin.
SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
– Nighttime formula neutralizes free radicals and improves the appearance of skin radiance, firmness, and density, Ideal for all skin types.
ZO Daily Power Defense
– Combats free radicals help tighten and brighten the skin. Contains peptides and retinol. Ideal for all skin types.
Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum
– Protects against free radical damage, helps firm and tone the skin. Serum formulation. Ideal for all skin types.
Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Cream
– Protects against free radical damage, helps firm and tone the skin. Creamy formulation. Ideal for all skin types.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens:
Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33
– Chemical protection. Great daily sun protector with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid ingredients. Hydrating and weightless.
Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45
– Lightly tinted Physical protection. Water-resistant. Matte finish, oil-absorbing, pore minimizing.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
– Tinted physical protection. Water resistant. Great for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Revision Skincare Intellishade Original or Matte
– Tinted physical protection. Contains peptides, moisturizing, antioxidant and anti-aging ingredients.
Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical
– Tinted 100% mineral physical protection. Contains peptides, moisturizing, hydrating, antioxidant and anti-aging ingredients.
Revision Skincare Multi-Protection Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
– Lightweight physical and chemical protection. Contains antioxidants and peptides. Great for the entire body.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 Sunscreen – Lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen that provides tinted color coverage to instantly even out skin tone, creating a flawless appearance.
Colorescience Peptide Lip Shine Duo SPF 30
– This nourishing formula provides a glossy finish while promoting plumper, softer, and smoother lips.
For a free virtual skin analysis and consultation, please call Rejuvent Scottsdale at 480-889-8880.
