Glutathione Facts

The effect of free radicals in your skin

Well, so have not yet heard about free radicals? They have been linked to health problems, specifically, the initial stages of cancer, various diseases and the visible effects of aging. Scientists are conducting ongoing research on the subject. For better understanding of how free radicals work, the effect on our bodies, and how to limit damage, read

For those interested on how free radicals affect the skin, which says that free radicals are definitely harmful to the skin. Decrease structural support and decrease the skin's elasticity, strength and flexibility. Free radicals are often identified as the cause of wrinkles, age spots and poor skin condition.

Damage due free radicals is not something that is easily explained, as the atomic level. When oxygen molecules are involved in chemical reactions, usually lose one of its electrons. Similarly, these molecules called free radicals, electron deprive neighboring molecules. This will launch chain reaction known as free radicals.

So much steam, which contains oxygen – such as carbon monoxide, peroxide hydrogen, the exhaust gases – can cause free radical damage.

Daily cause damage of free radicals in the natural world is the damage caused by gold food. Steam cook their food where possible. Frying oils can damage healthy. Small servings of olive oil and butter are less susceptible to rust.

Also sunlight should be avoided. A sensible precaution is to use a good quality sunscreen product every time you're outside, but the sun does not seem particularly strong.

What other ways to do free radicals damage the skin?

Radiation

Radiation can cause the buildup of free radicals. X-rays, gamma rays and others may increase the presence of free radicals in the body.

Cigarette smoking

Smoking, besides being a health hazard to the lungs, has been known to cause dry, unhealthy skin, and pale, healthy complexion. Cigarettes are known as promoters of free radicals in the body, worsening the adverse effects of snuff brings. Even if you're not a smoker, being in a smoky atmosphere still exposes you to increased free radical damage. If you smoke around others, for example for their children will be willing to reflect on the damage they are causing.

Inorganic Particles

There are other substances that cause free radicals. Among these substances are asbestos, quartz, silica.

Gases

Although ozone is not a free-radical, is a very powerful oxidizing agent. The ozone breaks down under certain conditions, contains two electrons unpaired. This suggests that free radicals can be formed when this decomposition occurs.

It sounds a grim picture, and of course, you're wondering, not all need oxygen to live? Yes, we do. Fortunately, we have antioxidants to help us survive!

Antioxidants

The Antioxidants help prevent free radical damage by preventing free radical molecules interact with other molecules, therefore delay in the growth of the chain reaction process. Other ingredients include vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids, superoxide dismutase, beta-carotene, selenium, glutathione, and zinc. The good news is that these antioxidants exists abundantly in the human body and the world of plants.

So how free radicals affect their skin? The studies point to the fact that wrinkles and other age-related factors in the skin are directly related to free radical damage that is not countered by antioxidants. If you do not get enough antioxidants in the diet and other sources, skin cells may be insufficient and lose their ability to function well. Some scientists believe that antioxidants are the answer to stop, slow down and even reverse the damage of free radicals, and that greater presence of antioxidants in the body will have a role in the delay of free radicals.

To increase antioxidants in your body the most obvious solution is to increase the intake of antioxidants from dietary sources (fruits – Color especially berries, and green vegetables). Another solution is to have good quality antioxidant supplement regularly. You do not have to look far to find a variety.

A lesser-known solution – best practiced with a good diet and supplements – is to use topical applications of products containing compounds to increase antioxidant defense against free radical damage.

Most lotions and moisturizers today announced an antioxidant formula specifically aimed at those who are concerned about the damage of free radicals. Some are better than others, depending on the amount and quality of active ingredients. Obviously you need be patient since it is impractical to expect immediate results.

However, it is still a good idea for products containing antioxidants to skin the benefits of these compounds are well known. I recommend the application of an anti-oxidant compound and left to stay on your skin during the night to avoid conflicts with your sunscreen or cosmetics. A hot shower or bath opens the pores of the skin and increase the speed of absorption.

While science is still must give the final touches to the studies on free radicals, there is enough evidence to suggest that antioxidants can benefit the body.

The increased use of consumption of antioxidants can not perform a miracle overnight, but at least block the effects of free radical damage, and possibly repeal.
About the Author

Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London.
Learn more about skin care and download a free ebook at: http://www.nutrition4all.co.uk/skin.html