New advances in skincare often tout these products' ability to reverse the signs of ageing. Dull complexion, a sagging upper dermis, wrinkles, lines and dark spots are signs that our skin is losing its battle against harmful free radicals.
Free radicals occur naturally in the body when atoms break down to form harmful molecules; they damage cells and accelerate the body’s ageing process. Free radicals can also be a result of our surroundings. For instance, pollution, smoking and excessive UV exposure are all factors that cause the body to generate free radicles.
#Avoid external free radicals
#Battle free radicals with antioxidants
In short, according to research published by the National Library of Medicine, an overage of free radicals in the body can be detrimental on many fronts. “If free radicals overwhelm the body's ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases.”
The research found that external applications such as topicals and diet can positively affect anti-ageing efforts. Tapping into sources of antioxidants in food, supplements and skincare products to kill off these harmful free radicals, here are a few ways to maintain youthful-looking skin.
Avoid external free radicals
Targeting the problem at its root cause, the first step is eliminating stressors that cause our skin to age. Though ageing skin is not something we can avoid, we can delay the process by minimising exposure to pollutants and chemicals. Pollutants creep up on us from every direction; it's in the air, water, and food supply.
Consuming organic produce free of pesticides is one way to control our intake of pollutants.
Smoking and excessive alcohol are also external free radicals that contribute to premature ageing.
And finally, exposure to UV rays, while crucial for helping our bodies produce antioxidants, is proven to speed up ageing by causing our skin to have dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Remember to put on sunscreen daily, regardless of whether you’re spending extended amounts of time outdoors; simply sitting near a window during the day can expose us to harmful, melanin causing sun rays.
Battle free radicals with antioxidants
Antioxidant is the buzzword that goes hand in hand with anti-ageing. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lute, and zeaxanthin.
While it seems easy enough to top up our diet with vitamin C and E capsules, the study actually found that antioxidant supplements or topicals provided no substantial health benefits. The research suggests supplements are inadequate substitutes for antioxidants naturally derived from vegetables and fruits.
Beyond their benefits to skin health, according to the USDA, antioxidants positively impact treating brain injury and the development of cancers too. Their research found beans, berries and dark leafy greens among the foods with the highest concentration of antioxidants.
In addition, the American Dietetic Association sites several herbs, including cinnamon, turmeric, garlic and ginger, as being rich in antioxidants.
Also see: Chinese medicine practitioner shares herbal and acupressure remedies to manage alopecia and boost hair health
