Understanding Free Radicals and Their Impact on Skin Care

Free Radicals

In the world of skincare, the term “free radicals” is often thrown around, but what exactly are they, and why should we care? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the science of free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and explore their impact on our skin’s health and appearance. We’ll discuss what causes free radicals, why they’re harmful, and most importantly, what we can do to protect our skin from their damaging effects of ROS.

ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species

In the skin care world, you will often see the term ROS when free radicals are discussed. This is because oxygen is a common free radical. When it loses an electron, it becomes reactive. Just as we need chocolate or food when we become reactive, oxygen needs to be given an electron to calm down.

What are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are molecules, usually made from oxygen, that are missing an electron, making them highly unstable and reactive. In a sense, they’re like a person craving a piece of chocolate, searching relentlessly for that missing element to feel complete. In their quest for stability, free radicals will steal electrons from other molecules in our skin, setting off a chain reaction of damage.

Causes of ROS

Free radicals can be generated by both internal and external factors. Internally, our bodies produce ROS as a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism. However, external sources such as UV radiation, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and certain medications can greatly increase the production of free radicals in our skin.

Oxidation

Oxidation is a fundamental chemical process that involves the loss of electrons from a substance. When a molecule loses electrons, it becomes oxidized, which means it has undergone oxidation. In the realm of skincare, oxidation can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as exposure to UV radiation, air pollution, and certain chemical reactions between incompatible ingredients.

When a skincare product becomes oxidized, it means that its chemical composition has been altered, often leading to a decrease in its effectiveness and potential harm to your skin. Oxidized products may change color, odor, or texture, indicating that their ingredients have broken down or reacted with one another in an undesirable way.

The process of oxidation often results in the formation of free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging. Free radicals are unstable because they have an unpaired electron, causing them to seek out other molecules to steal an electron from, thus oxidizing them in turn. This chain reaction of oxidation and free radical generation can lead to oxidative stress, a state in which the skin’s natural defenses are overwhelmed, and cellular damage accumulates.

Skin Care Products Can Cause ROS

Certain skin care products such as benzoyl peroxide cause oxidation. You can also generate free radicals when you mix certain ingredients together. This is why your skin care routine design maters so much. If you take out skin type quiz, we can help you design a skin care routine to avoid these issues.

Incompatible Ingredients Cause ROS

Using the wrong skin care products in your skin care routine can cause free radicals. It’s essential to be mindful of the products you use together in your skin care routine and how you combine them. Certain ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, can oxidize other components in your skincare products when mixed together. This oxidation process can lead to the formation of free radicals, causing oxidative stress and potential damage to your skin.

For example, using benzoyl peroxide in combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can cause the ascorbic acid to oxidize, rendering it less effective and potentially harmful. When exposed to benzoyl peroxide, ascorbic acid undergoes a chemical reaction that transforms it into dehydroascorbic acid, which is an inactive form of vitamin C. This oxidation not only diminishes the antioxidant benefits of ascorbic acid but can also generate free radicals that can damage your skin cells.

You can read more about using retinol, Vitamin C and niacinamide together here.

Sunscreen and Free Radicals

Chemical sunscreens have been shown to generate free radicals when exposed to UV radiation. They longer you are in the sun, the more likely this is. In some cases the ROS generated by SPF will cause other ingredients to change into allergens. This phenomenon is known as phototoxicity, and it can lead to oxidative stress and skin damage to your skin cells. To minimize this risk, consider opting for physical (mineral) sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens work by reflecting UV rays away from your skin, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens do.

Oxygen May Increase Oxidation

Oxygen is essential for healthy skin, as it plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and energy production. However, the use of topical oxygen in skincare products has been a topic of debate among skincare professionals and researchers. Some products claim to deliver oxygen directly to the skin, promising to revitalize and rejuvenate the complexion. While oxygen is necessary for skin health, the idea that applying topical oxygen can benefit the skin is questionable.

In fact, the use of topical oxygen on the skin may actually increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). When oxygen molecules are applied to the skin, they can react with other molecules and generate ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. These ROS can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage, inflammation, and premature aging.

Why Oxidation and Free Radicals Are Harmful

When free radicals steal electrons from other molecules in our skin, they cause oxidative damage to crucial components like DNA, proteins, and lipids. Over time, this damage accumulates, leading to visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Free radicals can also break down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping our skin firm and youthful-looking.

Preventing Free Radical Damage

While it’s impossible to completely avoid exposure to free radicals, there are steps we can take to minimize their impact on our skin. One of the most important things you can do is protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Also use antioxidant ingredients in your skin care routine. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the production of free radicals in the body.

Free radicals may be tiny molecules, but their impact on our skin’s health and appearance is significant. By understanding the science behind these reactive oxygen species and taking steps to prevent and combat their damaging effects, we can help our skin look and feel its best for years to come. Incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and practicing daily sun protection are all powerful tools in the fight against free radicals.

While antioxidants are a crucial weapon in the fight against free radicals, they work best as part of a protective personalized skincare routine.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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