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| WHAT'S YOUR SKIN TYPE? | Free Radicals Free radicals are a part of life. They are a natural byproduct of metabolization, and they exist all around us in the form of environmental toxins and even sunlight. Simply put, a free radical is a molecule (commonly oxygen) that can exist with one electron instead of two. Because electrons like to be in pairs, free radicals leave a path of instability in their wake as they seek to replace this missing electron by stealing it from another. When they do, they create instability in the violated molecule which continues this destructive cycle. So what does this have to do with our skin? Free radicals have been found to be a prime culprit in the premature aging of skin, causing cells to bond inappropriately (called 'collagen cross-linking') and therefore break down over time. As collagen and in the break down, the dermis becomes thinner, leaving the above it with less padding and causing wrinkles to form. Since there's really no getting away from free radicals, we need to develop effective techniques for managing their effects inside our body as well as in our skin. This is where antioxidants come in. These heroic little molecules (vitamins E, C, carotenes and flavonoids chief among them) trap free radicals by bonding with them without becoming unstable themselves. This renders the free radical molecule harmless. The best way to protect your skin -- and the rest of your body -- against the detrimental effects of free radicals is to take a multifaceted approach. Take care of your insides by eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. This means eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants! Next, protect your skin against the damaging effects of the sun. Wearing adequate sunscreen and ensuring that you moisturize your skin will help defend you against potentially dangerous ultraviolet rays. Lastly, use skin care products that contain powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C and CoQ10. We can't escape free radicals, but by making wise choices in our lives, we can go a long way towards minimizing their impact. |  Enhance your skin's natural immunity, protect against free radical damage, brighten your complexion and reduce signs of aging -- like age spots -- with Vitamin C Skin Care. Read more.
Essential to healthy and youthful-looking skin, CoQ10 is ideal for defending against the signs of aging. Read more. | |||||||
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