Antioxidants – what are they?

Skin aging is a very complex and complicated process that we want to delay as much as possible. The first stage in the fight against aging is proper hydration of the skin and cleansing it of keratinized epidermis, impurities and excess sebum. The next stage is the use of a number of anti-aging substances. Among them can be distinguished retinoids, vitamins E and C, acids AHA, BHA, PHA, plant growth factors, peptides, coenzyme Q10. Particularly noteworthy is the large group of compounds called antioxidants.

Antioxidants are substances that protect our body against excessive oxidation.

For oxidation to occur, the reaction always occurs in the presence of oxygen. This happens, for example, in the process of cellular respiration, and earlier when taking oxygen from the air. The process of cellular respiration is necessary and desirable for us. However, during metabolism Reactive oxygen species. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species and external factors can cause imbalances between antioxidant reactions and free radicals. An impaired balance leads to damage to cellular structures, i.e. oxidative stress. External factors that increase oxidative stress include smoking, drinking alcohol, exposure to solar radiation, and environmental pollution. Examples of diseases associated with the phenomenon of oxidative stress are cancer, atherosclerosis and diabetes.

In turn, oxidative stress in the skin is manifested by the following changes, including modifications of cellular DNA, stimulation of factors increasing the production of collagen-degrading enzymes, induction of changes in the cell membrane and in proteins (including collagen) and stimulation of inflammation.

Our body has defense systems that reduce reactive oxygen species. These include endogenous antioxidants and various enzymes. Unfortunately, there is not enough endogenous antioxidants in our body, which is why we also take them from food.

Our skin also needs protection against reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Therefore, many substances with antioxidant properties are used in cosmetics, dermocosmetics and office procedures. The antioxidant primarily protects the cosmetic against oxidation, while in larger quantities it will also protect the skin against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species.

There are many antioxidants in cosmetics. One of the most popular is vitamin C, which has the ability to modify reactive oxygen species into less reactive or non-toxic molecules.

Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen synthesis, it also brightens the skin, inhibits the formation of melanin. Combined with vitamin E, they show synergy, i.e. together they work stronger than separately. In turn, vitamin E, in addition to antioxidant properties, has a moisturizing, anti-aging effect. Another example are polyphenols, among which it is worth mentioning, for example, flavanols (found in, inter alia, chamomile, green tea). Another group of antioxidants are anthocyanins (found e.g. in chokeberry, blueberry, grapes). In addition to the antioxidants mentioned earlier, carotenoids can also be found in plants. Among them, the most popular antioxidant is beta carotene. This substance is often used in photo-protective products due to its antioxidant properties. Beta carotene appearing in the composition of the cosmetic, after application gives the skin a warm orange color, therefore its amount in the composition must be limited.

Coenzyme Q10 is another known antioxidant used in cosmetology. It inhibits lipid peroxides, which destroy cell membranes and prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Naturally, coenzyme Q10 is found in the body, but its quantity decreases with age. Coenzyme Q10 is found in creams for mature skin, especially in anti-wrinkle preparations for the skin around the eyes. Not only phenolic compounds, acids and coenzymes can be antioxidants. A very strong antioxidant is the element selenium, which in addition to antioxidant activity, protects our body against cancer and inflammation caused by exposure to UV radiation.

In cosmetics, antioxidants are primarily found in products intended for mature, aging skin with wrinkles. In addition, from year to year antioxidants are an increasingly common ingredient in photoprotective products. This is because in contrast to UV filters, which should remain on the surface. Antioxidants will penetrate the skin and reduce the negative effects of solar radiation, which is one of the factors that increase oxidative stress.

Antioxidants are also common ingredients in cabinet products.

One of the most popular Mediderma treatments is Ferulac Peel Classic with a vitamin C mask. In this procedure, the basis of antioxidant activity is the synergy of 12% ferulic acid, 5% florentine and vitamin C. Ferulac Peel Classic is a combination of banquet, photoprotective and brightening treatments, maybe so be successfully used even on sensitive vascular skin. In turn, mature people with photo-aging, chrono-aging, or preparing for summer I would recommend a treatment based on DNA Recovery. The product contains the most, because 14% ferulic acid. First the ATPses Mist mist is sprayed, then the oxygenating mask is applied. Later, apply 1-2 layers of DNA Recovery Peel and a layer of C-Peel serum with vitamin C. The treatment ends with massaging DNA Recovery Peel Cream (with zinc, amino acids, DNA regenerating enzymes, growth factors and 3 forms of retinol) that the client washed after 8-12 hours.