Free radicals are very unstable small molecules (products of the “gap”) that is produced naturally within the cells of the body when oxygen is used in metabolic processes for energy production (oxidation).
This instability leads them to seek an appropriate balance of the electron of the other molecules with which they come into contact, they become unstable molecules that in turn seek an electron, and so on, triggering a mechanism of instability “chain”.
This series of reactions can last from fractions of seconds to several hours and can be arrested by the presence of enzymes and antioxidant substances that interacts with the electron missing, allowing to neutralize free radicals.
The destructive action of free radicals is addressed primarily on cells, particularly on the fatty membranes that form the (liperossidazione), on the sugars and phosphates on proteins in their central core, especially on the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) which alter the genetic, enzymes, etc..
The skin, the constant action of free radicals is evident especially in premature aging of cells. Free radicals also act at the level of collagen, a protein of the skin, causing a tightening of its molecular structure phenomenon known as cross-linking. This phenomenon results in irreversible changes.
Free radicals also make the membrane more permeable, facilitating the dehydration of the skin (water loss).<br /> Free radicals are the absolute protagonists of aging.
Aging skin, defined as inflammation of the skin, occurs when free radicals degenerate layer of the membrane phospholipid double layer (phospholipid bilayer) to activate enzymes that in turn produce inflammatory substances (factors pro-oxidative).
These processes result in oxidative and inflammatory changes on elasticity and thickness of the skin. A clinical study has shown that antioxidants can reduce and protect the structures of the skin by the “inflammatory cascade”.
A COCKTAIL OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE SKIN. The Final Frontier
The human body naturally defends itself by producing free radicals of endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. Exceeded a certain threshold must be provided from outside of antioxidants.</p> <p>The antioxidants may act alone or interact, protect each other when they are oxidized.
It should be noted that each antioxidant has a scope limited to one or two specific free radicals. Thus, only complete and balanced diet can ensure an effective antioxidant action.
To fill gaps related to food can act as a help to the skin, using food supplements based on vitamins Prevention of skin aging is the most topical and important issue concerning research in cosmetology.
The main objective is the development of cosmetics that are able to act at different levels, aging of the skin (so-called anti-aging cosmetics) that keep the skin younger by slowing the formation of wrinkles.
Tags: Free Radicals Aging, Oxidation, Radicals Aging, Skin And Free
