Although there are advantages to city living, there are costs involved as well. A fee that your skin must pay in addition to your wallet. The excessive pollution levels may be bad for your skin and body. Even though using your favorite face wash at the end of the day may feel like you are cleaning all the pollutants off your skin, you might not be aware that these pollutants actually increase the potentially dangerous free radicals that are present on your skin. Your skin may eventually become less radiant, age more quickly, and get dark patches, even if the consequences might not be felt right away.
Does that imply that you should leave the city and pack your bags? Not really. It's important to understand free radicals, how they impact your skin, and how to lessen their negative effects. In order to learn more about the impact of free radicals on skin and to obtain some advice on how to shield your skin from harm, we spoke with skin specialist Dr. Affha . Before it's too late, scroll down to preserve your skin.
- Can you explain what free radicals are?
- What negative effects do free radicals have on the body?
- Sources of damage caused by free radicals
- How to lessen the damage that free radicals do to your skin
- foods high in antioxidants
- How can you incorporate antioxidants into your skincare regimen?
Can you explain what free radicals are?
Atoms with unpaired electrons are known as free radicals since they don't have a stable electron count. Since they lack a partner, they are always looking for a way to link with an electron and stabilize themselves. The DNA and other components of the human cell are harmed by this. The aging process is sped up in part by this damage. Free radicals are unstable, extremely reactive chemicals. When the body is exposed to pollutants in the environment, UV radiation, or tobacco smoke, they are naturally created as byproducts of oxidation or metabolism.. Free radicals only have a lifetime of a fraction of a second but during this time they can cause damage to the DNA which sometimes results in mutations and because of this mutation people sometimes even get cancer.
What negative effects do free radicals have on the body?
These free radicals greatly increase the body's oxidative stress, which can lead to a number of health issues, including damage to the central nervous system, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss. In rare cases, they can also clog arteries and compromise the cardiovascular system. They may also result in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, cataracts, age-related visual loss, or arthritis. Free radicals are also frequently caused by diabetes. Free radicals cause wrinkles, loss of elasticity, early aging, and a dull, lifeless complexion. It can also have an impact on your hair, resulting in frizzy hair, early greying, hair loss, and texture changes.
Sources of damage caused by free radicals
The compounds in the food we eat, the medications we take, the air we breathe, and the water we drink can naturally cause the body to produce free radicals. However, outside factors like pollution are also to blame. Actually, one of the main reasons why your skin produces free radicals is pollution. The general health of your skin is determined by the quantity of pollutants it is exposed to on a daily basis. They deplete the lipids, proteins, and collagen in your skin, making wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines more noticeable as well as causing your skin to lose its suppleness and radiance. The following are a few typical environmental contaminants that lead to free radicals on your skin:
- Smog caused by dust
- UV radiation
- Smoke from cigarettes Pesticides
How to lessen the damage that free radicals do to your skin
Antioxidants are the key to battling free radicals! These are substances that interact with one another to neutralize free radicals that are circulating throughout the body and stop them from doing harm. Antioxidants can hasten the development of healthy cells and stop harm by giving the free radical atoms an additional electron. Since vitamins A, E, and C are high in antioxidants and help lessen the impact of free radicals on your skin, try including them in your diet.
foods high in antioxidants
Eating foods high in antioxidants is one of the simplest ways to increase the amount of antioxidants in your body and combat the skin and health issues outlined above. These five meals will help you fight the damage that free radicals do to your skin right now.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a rich source of the antioxidant lycopene. Additionally, it has vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. It guards against damage from free radicals and shields against a number of illnesses, including as cancer and heart issues. It's really easy to incorporate tomatoes into your diet; you may boil them just enough to preserve their antioxidant qualities or eat them raw in salads.
2. Spinach
A nutrient powerhouse, spinach is low in calories and packed with iron, antioxidants, and several vitamins. It can combat free radicals and prevent a number of eye-related issues. Steer clear of overcooking spinach and come up with inventive methods to incorporate this leafy vegetable, rich in antioxidants, into your diet.
3. Blueberries
Antioxidants are found in berries of all kinds, but blueberries are the most abundant. Blueberries have been shown in numerous studies to have the greatest antioxidant content of any fruit or vegetable. As much as 9.2 mmol of antioxidants can be found in 100 grams of blueberries. To guarantee you get the most advantages, try to choose fresh blueberries rather than frozen ones.
4. Beetroot
Antioxidants are found in berries of all kinds, but blueberries are the most abundant. Blueberries have been shown in numerous studies to have the greatest antioxidant content of any fruit or vegetable. As much as 9.2 mmol of antioxidants can be found in 100 grams of blueberries. To guarantee you get the most advantages, try to choose fresh blueberries rather than frozen ones.
5. Beans
Not only are beans incredibly high in fiber, but they are also a wonderful source of antioxidants. Certain beans have a unique class of antioxidant known as kaempferol, which is good for general health maintenance. You have so many alternatives for including beans in your diet that we don't even need to tell you how!
How can you incorporate antioxidants into your skincare regimen?
To combat free radicals on your skin, you can incorporate antioxidant-rich skincare components into your routine in addition to eating foods high in antioxidants. The majority of serums and night creams contain these typical ingredients; the list is provided below.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a component of skincare products that are used to treat various skin issues. Because it is high in antioxidants, this one ingredient can assist with anything from dark spots and premature aging to dull skin and uneven skin tone. To shield the skin from oxidative stress, search for a vitamin C serum.
2. Niacinamide
Niacinamide, a kind of vitamin B3, is a popular component of many cosmetic treatments. Niacinamide topical therapy is well documented to have several positive effects on the skin. Although it might not be an antioxidant, using it helps the skin regenerate more quickly. It lessens redness, dark patches, hyperpigmentation, and aging symptoms.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another well-known antioxidant that has been shown to have amazing effects on the skin. By using vitamin E-rich products, you can build your skin's barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it lessens the damage that free radicals do to your skin and combats age spots, acne, and other indications of aging.
4. Green tea
Your skin and body can combat free radicals by consuming green tea and using topically applied green tea-infused products. Green tea, a fantastic source of antioxidants that also fights oxidative stress and UV damage, has gained popularity in the cosmetic business. Drink two cups of green tea or more each day to increase your body's oxidant intake.