Something that I have heard a lot in the beauty and skincare community is the phrase “free radicals”. The phrase is usually added with the word damage. I am sure you have heard this phrase too. Yet what exactly are free radicals and are they really harmful? Free radicals refers to any atoms that have lost an electron. To explain this further, everything on this earth, even the air, is made of little particles called atoms. Each atom is made up of a mix of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each atom always wants the same amount of protons, neutrons, and electrons, although sometimes the electrons leave the atom. When this happens, these atoms are referred to as free radicals. The atoms will continue to search for a place to receive their lost electron. The moment these become harmful is when the atoms start stealing electrons from your cells. By stealing electrons from your cells, free radicals are breaking down the cell’s walls which leads to your DNA becoming harmed. This leads to dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes to occur. 

There are many different examples of free radicals as well as different ways to prevent the damage they cause. Some examples of free radicals would include smog, cigarette smoke, household cleaners, and the sun. These all over time cause the skin to age. Although this naturally would happen, we want to help prevent it as much as possible. Antioxidants help your body fight against free radical damage by giving off the electrons that the atoms are wanting to steal. One way to supply your body with antioxidants is to eat them in your food. Kale, spinach, oranges, and tea are just some food items that contain antioxidants. Another way to supply your skin with antioxidants is by applying them through products, such as toners and serums. A few products that I would recommend in order to supply your skin with antioxidants are an Antioxidant toner, C-Lester Vitamin C 10, C-Lester Vitamin C20. These products are great because they allow your skin to replenish what free radicals take away. 

Free radicals are a natural occurrence that happens throughout life. That being said, they do cause skin damage and should be watched out for. So please take care and make sure to supply your body with antioxidants! Until next time, my friends, stay radiant! 

Xoxo,

Dermaesthetics Beverly Hills