ANTIOXIDANTS - MULTI-TALENTS OF SKINCARE

Claims like 'with antioxidants', 'has strong antioxidant effects' or 'protects the skin from free radicals' adorn numerous beauty products. Dr. EMI ARPA SKIN also uses antioxidants as radical scavengers against oxidative stress – but what does that mean?

What are antioxidants?

There are many different antioxidants of natural origin such as vitamins, endogenous enzymes, and secondary plant compounds, but also antioxidants of synthetic origin, for example, chemically modified vitamins. Some of our favorite antioxidants that you can also find in the skincare of DR. EMI ARPA are Allantoin, Azelaic Acid, Baicalin, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract and Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

What is oxidative stress?

Our skin is a barrier organ and is therefore constantly exposed to a pro-oxidative environment. Environmental stressors from UV light, pollution, cigarette smoke, and harmful microorganisms on the skin are a constant challenge for the skin. They lead to oxidative stress with the formation of reactive oxygen species, that is, free radicals.

What do free radicals do?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that have an unpaired electron in their outer shell and are therefore particularly reactive. They can cause damage to cells and tissues by stealing electrons from other molecules to stabilize their own unpaired electron. This oxidative process is associated with various diseases, aging processes, and pigmentation spots.  

Free Radicals versus Antioxidants

Antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals by donating an electron to them without becoming unstable themselves. In this way, they can help protect cells and tissues from damage caused by free radicals and slow down the aging process.
Without antioxidants, free radicals can damage lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA unchecked, and promote enzymes that break down collagen and elastin. The interaction with lipids could damage the skin barrier, as well as increase transepidermal water loss and promote skin inflammatory response. Thus, antioxidants have a protective effect against premature skin aging and pigmentation disorders.

SOURCES

Baxter R. A. (2008). Anti-aging properties of resveratrol: review and report on a potent new antioxidant skin care formulation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 7(1), 2–7.

de Lima Cherubim D. J., Buzanello Martins C. V., Oliveira Fariña L., da Silva de Lucca R. A. (2020). Polyphenols as natural antioxidants in cosmetic applications. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(1), 33-37.

Count J. (2010). Antioxidants and skincare: the basics. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 125(1), 378-383.

Ratz-Łyko A., Arct J., Pytkowska K. (2011). Methods for the evaluation of cosmetic antioxidant capacity. Skin Research and Technology, 18(4), 421–430.