Oxidative stress and its connection to UV light and skin aging.

What is oxidative stress?

In short, it is a state of imbalance. We have all heard of antioxidants. Vitamins A, E, C, zinc, and

selenium, these are all from the ‘Good guys team’. The free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen

species, are the ‘Not so good guys’. In small concentrations, they are useful cell-to-cell messengers.

But when their concentration rises they start acting as bad guys. They can attack and damage

proteins and lipids in our skin leading to loss of collagen and elastin. Having enough antioxidants will

allow our skin to neutralise free radicals, however, a lack of antioxidants will lead to oxidative stress.

What causes oxidative stress?

In a perfect world we would get abundant antioxidants in our skin from lots of fresh fruits and

vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, leafy greens and fish, and we would have regular workouts and

adequate rest. The reality is that we are always in a hurry, skipping meals, not getting enough sleep,

drinking a lot of coffee. Most of us live in more or less polluted cities, exposed to cigarette smoke, UV

rays, and blue light from different devices and all these factors contribute to elevated levels of free

radicals in our skin.

How does oxidative stress damage the skin?

If not counterbalanced by antioxidants, free radicals can damage the skin in multiple ways. They

destroy cells, slow down recovery, and cause inflammation and irritation. The skin can become very

sensitive. When the collagen fibres get damaged, wrinkles appear. The loss of elastin leads to skin

sagging. In general, oxidative stress causes skin ageing.

Therefore it is essential to keep a balance in our skin and to avoid intense exposure to UV rays,

cigarette smoke, pollution and blue light.

Can we combat oxidative stress?

Yes. We need to provide our skin with a sufficient amount of antioxidants both internally from food

and topically from high-quality cosmetic products.

The Bulgarian Rose Water is an excellent source of potent antioxidants. The bioflavonoids,

anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in La Thea’s Bulgarian Rose Water offer reliable protection

against oxidative stress. Applied daily, our Rose Water will provide your skin with these vital

antioxidants.