The Free Radicals sounds like the name of a hippie group–but it’s not. You’ve probably seen the term “free radical” hundreds of times without really understanding what it means. It’s usually combined with the word “antioxidant” and “skin care”. So, for those not in the know, here’s a simple explanation of what they are and how they relate to the anti-aging process.

Free radicals, which are basically unstable oxygen molecules that result from the metabolic process, appear when skin cells begin aging. Free radicals also come from sources in the environment such as smoking and exposure to sunlight. Naturally occurring antioxidants in the skin cells are responsible for removing the free radicals. Unfortunately in aging skin these natural antioxidants are in short supply and free radicals are free (no pun intended) to wreak havoc with proteins and DNA in skin cells eventually breaking down the collagen and causing inflammation. This is the stuff of wrinkle formation. And that my friends is why antioxidants such as Vitamin A, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), and Copper Peptides found in many cosmeceuticals are all the rage.

While there have been many scientific breakthroughs in anti-aging therapies, there’s a lot more to it than slapping some green tea extract on those wrinkles for example. Although come to think of it, this might work.

Typically though, substances need to be stabilised (most natural substances break down easily when exposed to light and moisture), formulated into therapeutic doses, and applied to the skin for a specific period of time. Only then, will your skin benefit.  [Update: Check out Ageless in Seattle's discussion about antioxidants used in eye treatments.

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