Its summertime, not the conventional summer, but we are happy about the warmth. So let's talk protection, and how to guard your skin against UVA & UVB rays! It's time to use SPF, and pack your routine with antioxidants to protect you from free radical damage!
What are Free radicals (FR) - they are atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons. They steal electrons from other molecules, which damages the other molecules.
The free radicals generated when the skin is exposed to sunlight will damage skin cells (this is why SPF should be your best friend). When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it reacts with oxygen to create free radicals. These free radicals attack cell membranes of your skin. Free radicals are "super" oxidizers because of the participants in the reaction but also multiple in the process. There are other free radical generating substances like smoking, high alcohol consumption, air pollutants, and more.
The skin has its own natural oxidation which deactivates the oxidizer and stops the oxidation from progressing, but the oxidation caused by free radicals continues in a chain reaction that can oxidize viscously.
Melanin comes in with a cape to save the cell from bringing damaged (yes MELANIN!). The melanin pigment darkens the skin and absorbs UV rays to help keep cells from being damaged. Skin cells have their own natural antioxidants but their ability to protect cells reduces with sun exposure. The continuous damage will cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, collagen, and elastin breakdown, and skin cancer are the results of exposure to UV rays. Red and inflamed skin is an indication of free radical damage.
Including skincare products packed with ANTIOXIDANTS like the SERUMIZE ULTRA RESTORE DRY OIL is so important. Using SPF is a must, even for POC, and avoiding unnecessary sunlight exposure is of utmost importance.
