How antioxidants protect your skin from free radical ageing
Share
Why our bodies age
We all know that our bodies age.
This process happens both internally and externally, and one of the most widely accepted explanations for why this occurs is known as the free radical theory of ageing.
While this topic can become technical, once you break it down to its basics, it is actually quite simple.
For the purpose of understanding ageing, we are referring specifically to reactive free radicals. Some free radicals, such as melanin, are not chemically reactive. Most however are highly reactive and damaging.
What are free radicals
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain only one electron.
Electrons naturally want to exist in pairs. When a molecule has an unpaired electron, it becomes unstable and will attempt to steal an electron from a healthy cell in order to stabilise itself.
This process causes a chain reaction:
• A healthy cell loses an electron
• That cell becomes unstable
• The cycle repeats as instability spreads
This cellular damage is what we refer to as free radical damage, and it plays a major role in skin ageing and disease.
Free radicals are commonly generated through exposure to:
• Alcohol
• Cigarette smoke
• Oxygen
• Airborne pollutants
• UV radiation
Free radical damage is also the mechanism behind the development of cancer.
How antioxidants protect your skin
Antioxidants are essential because they donate an electron to unstable free radicals.
When a free radical receives an electron from an antioxidant:
• It becomes stable
• It no longer needs to steal from healthy cells
• Cellular damage is prevented
This protective process happens not only on your skin, but throughout your entire body.
That is why a combined approach is important.
Supporting your skin inside and out
While applying antioxidant rich skincare is vital, your diet also plays a role in supporting your body's defence against free radicals.
Some foods naturally rich in antioxidants include:
• Cacao
• Blueberries
• Avocado
• Green tea
• Capsicum
There are many antioxidant rich foods available, and exploring what works best for you is encouraged.
Why topical antioxidants matter
Applying antioxidants directly to the skin helps protect against:
• Environmental stress
• Pollution
• UV induced damage
• Premature loss of elasticity
Many skincare brands include antioxidants only in minimal amounts to achieve a label claim.
At Cactus Skincare, our formulations are packed with high quality, high concentration antioxidants, which is why they consistently deliver visible results.
Antioxidant rich products from Cactus Skincare
Our antioxidant focused formulations include:
• Nature's Antioxidant Creme
• Protective Day Serum
• Regenerative Night Serum
Each product is designed to support skin resilience, barrier health and long term skin vitality.
Recommended product
Best antioxidant product for daily skin protection
The Nature's Antioxidant Creme is our most antioxidant rich formulation. It is ideal for protecting the skin from free radical damage while supporting hydration, elasticity and overall skin health.
