If your skin is showing accelerated signs of aging lately, such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles or other damage – chances are that your skins’ pH barrier is compromised and is under the attack of free radicals. These free radicals represent ‘oxidation’ or ‘cellular rust’ and rob the skin of healthy oxygen, disrupting its repair mechanism at the cellular level.
But despite the body being constantly exposed to solar radiation, environment pollutants, bacteria, and other stressors (both extrinsic and intrinsic) – these free radicals can definitely be neutralized by clinically-proven phytoactives (discussed later) before they damage your skin cells.
Free Radicals & Your Skin: Understanding the Chemistry
A free radical is a molecule that has an unpaired (highly unstable) electron – which is always actively searching to pair up by taking electrons from other molecules, such as those from your dermal cells. These free radicals are then generated by splitting of molecules by UVR (which is ~80% of the total), air pollution, stress, poor diet, cigarette smoke, alcohol intake, and even psychological stress.
For seeking stability, these reactive molecules (Reactive Oxygen Species/ ROS) actually steal electrons from other molecules — such as those in our skin cells. This sets off a chain reaction of more free radical generation that forces the compromised cells to enter into oxidative stress, which eventually causes cell death.
Free Radicals – Are they Really that Bad?
Free radicals are actually a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism and help combat bacteria and viruses. But having too many of them damages the skins’ pH barrier, causing loss of collagen, elastin, and damage to other skin cells. Free Radicals are the primary cause of aging in the body.
Free Radical Damage and Effects on Skin:
- Breakdown of collagen and elastin – leading to loss of elasticity and formation of premature fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hyperpigmentation/ Dark Spots/ Uneven Skin Tone
- Poor Skin Brightness
- Prolonged Natural Skin Healing
- Skin Irritation, Broken Blood Vessels (Rosacea), and Inflammation
Antioxidants & Free Radical Scavenging
The only protection from free radicals are ‘Antioxidants’, meaning agents which suppress this cellular oxidation or rust. Antioxidants actually contribute or give up their own electrons – without becoming unstable themselves, while preventing otherwise healthy skin cells from cellular death.
Skin Care and Super Antioxidants
As a powerful anti-aging and skin repairing ingredient, topical application of antioxidants greatly improves skin health and youthful appearance, and provides long-lasting results. At Puraveda Organics, all our organic and clean beauty products are concentrated with powerful, plant-based antioxidants in clinically proven ratios. Some of best include:
- Vitamin C Bioflavonoids: Keeps skin firm and healthy. Vitamin C brightens skin tone and improves cellular turnover [from Bilberry/Blueberry, Orange, Lemon, Bergamot, etc].
- Catechins: Inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. Eliminate free radicals and improve skin’s strength and suppleness. Promotes even complexion [derived from Green Tea].
- Coenzyme Q10: Repairs skin damage from excessive sun exposure and environmental pollutants. Energizes skin cells to repair damage. CoQ10/ Ubiquinone keeps skin firm, plump, and smooth [derived from Non-GMO plants (like Soybeans, Broccoli, Peanuts, and Oranges).
- Vitamin E: Moisturizes and protects pH barrier [derived from Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Sunflower seed Oil, Hemp seed Oil, Extra Virgin Oil, and other expeller oils].
BioScience Peptide Complex contains all these potent antioxidants as well as others like Vitamin B2, ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid), and flavonoids in Licorice roots, Neem, and others. The formula targets free radicals, hydrates, and reverses the signs of aging. Visible results seen in 4-6 weeks. - Polyphenols: Neem, Grape Seed Extract, and Rosemary are some of the natural sources of polyphenols (high quality antioxidants).
Anti-aging Collagen Boost Serum and Rejuv Serum contain antioxidants with superior skin firming abilities, giving 10X results with peptide treatment. SBR Serum is recommended for Rosacea/ Sensitive Skin and it not only fights aging but also treats the underlying cause of redness/ inflammation.
