What is a free radical?
In terms of skin chemistry a free radical is a messenger molecule. It is produced in the skin cells in order to send messages between them. That way the cells communicate especially when under a threat. If a cell wants to give its neighbours a signal, it produces a free radical. This free radical starts interacting with other molecules. In the interaction the other molecules can get altered and some become free radicals themselves. That produces a cascade effect and the other cells get the message.
Why does our body need the free radicals?
They are an important route for cell-to-cell communication. For example, when the UV rays get to the skin, the epidermal cells begin producing free radicals that send a message to the cells responsible for melanin synthesis to start producing it. This way the skin cells get their natural sun protection and avoid damage. Can you imagine the harm if we didn’t have this early alarm system?
The downside – if not controlled the cascade effect of free radicals generation can grow into an avalanche of cell damaging molecules. When in great concentration the free radicals attack the cell’s DNA, proteins and lipids causing significant damage. They destroy the collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration, impaired skin recovery, loss of elasticity and saggy face.
How can we deal with the free radical damage?
The free radicals are participants in a dynamic equilibrium with the antioxidants. The antioxidants can render them harmless. However, sometimes that balance is disturbed because, unlike the free radicals, the antioxidants cannot be produced within our bodies. Therefore we have a limited reserve of antioxidants that has to be constantly renewed as it gets exhausted.
When there aren’t enough antioxidants to counterbalance the free radicals we have a state of oxidative stress.
So we need to eat plenty of fresh fruits, fresh and well cooked vegetables, healthy oils and fatty fish as our primary sources of antioxidants. But this doesn’t always guarantee that our skin will receive enough antioxidants, as they get distributed throughout the body and the more important organs get the most of them. Fortunately we can provide them topically from cosmetic products. The topical application cannot replace the inner nutrition but it can complement and support it.
Using cosmetic products, rich in antioxidants is essential for our skin health.
La Thea’s Bulgarian Rose Water is rich in antioxidants that will boost your skin’s natural defense. Spray your face for cool refreshment in the morning and use it with a cotton pad for gentle cleansing in the evening. Feel the pleasure and enjoy.