Free Radicals - Your Skin's Enemy

Free Radicals - Your Skin's Enemy
by Kamau Austin

you want to look your best, you will need to devote part of your beauty routine to
your skin.

When choosing beauty products, be careful to select products that are kind to your
skin.

Some cosmetics may actually leave your skin dull and dry looking when we take them
off at night.

Some of the damage that happens to our faces and skin is as a result of free
radicals.

Free radicals are compounds that are highly reactive. They are found in our body
primarily in two ways: (1) either they are created in the body over the course of
normal metabolic functions; or (2) they are introduced from the environment.

By nature, free radicals are unstable since they contain "extra" energy. To lessen the
burden of this extra energy, free radicals react with certain chemicals in the body.
During this process, free radicals interfere with normal cell function and attack normal,
healthy cells.

Without going into too much detail about the science behind it, we all know that the
human body is made up of varied types of cells, which, in turn, are composed of
molecules. These molecules consist of atoms of single or multiple elements. All of
these are held together by chemical bonds. The chain reaction caused by free radicals
helps decompose many substances, especially at high temperatures, but this is not
necessarily a great situation for our bodies. These reactions can cause damage to our
skin.

Detrimental effects of free radicals

So what type of damage can we expect from free radicals? Our cell membranes are
made of unsaturated lipids. These lipids are highly susceptible to the damaging nature
of free radicals. Free radicals are known to cause oxidative damage, which can lead to
a hardening of our lipid cell membranes. Once the lipids harden, the cells will not be
able to properly acquire nutrients.

Hardened cells have difficulty communicating with other cells and the body suffers.
Most cellular activities will also be handicapped, and free radicals can cause major
damages to biological molecules such as DNA, RNA, enzymes, and mitochondria.

This damage has been linked to cancer, premature aging, Parkinson's disease,
arteriosclerosis, emphysema, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and many other
illnesses.

Even though free radicals are essential in many functions of our bodies, if they
become excessive, then the damage can quickly spiral out of control. As we age, the
damages caused by free radicals are more conspicuously felt.

How do we combat free radical damage? The most effective and proven form of
protection against free radical damage are antioxidants. Many types of antioxidant
enzymes, like super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, are
produced in our bodies. These are nature's weapons for fighting free radicals. Oral
supplements of these enzymes are available and may help at times when our bodies
are not producing as much as we may need.

You can also help to strengthen your body by eating a balanced diet that includes
nutrients like manganese, zinc, copper, and selenium. Your diet should also include
vitamins C, E, and B2 and minerals like beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. Vitamin E
prevents heart disease by acting against oxidation and plaque formation. Vitamin C
helps protect you from cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and larynx.

Herbs like curcumin, gingko, and bilberry are also powerful weapons in the fight
against free radicals. Some health experts feel these herbs are like scavengers,
searching out free radicals in the body and preventing damage to cells and tissues. It
is important to take these herbal supplements in the correct amount. Recently topical
treatments have also been developed that help combat the external affects of these
free radicals.

As you age, facial and skin problems can increase in part related to free radicals. Skin
discolorations like age spots, sun spots, and freckles can become increasing unsightly.
But these problems don’t mean you have to look less than your best.

The makers of a new product called Lumnaderm(tm), a topical skin cream, developed
it to help reduce the appearance of damage caused by free radicals. Lumnaderm(tm)
is cited as a product you may want to give serious consideration in helping you
restore your radiant skin and smooth out wrinkles. This product is available from fine
online retailers like and the ().

About The Author

Written by the V-Team, courtesy Kamau Austin, publisher. The V-Team writes articles
for the health and fitness enthusiast. Their timeless health and fitness tips are at the
Fit After Forty Blog. See more useful news and tips about skin careat

Our skin is the largest organ on
our bodies and beauty begins
with the skin. Lots of people
equate the look of radiance with
beautiful, glowing skin. You need
to be healthy inside and out in
order for your skin to reflect that
healthy radiance.

For some people, beautiful skin is
a gift that is bestowed upon us
through our genes, while others
need to work at obtaining and
maintaining beautiful skin.

Whichever group you fall into, if

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.