What Are Free Radicals & How Do They Affect My Skin?

With constant exposure to skyrocketing pollution levels and various environmental stressors, you're probably hearing the term "free radicals" more and more. But what exactly are these free radicals and more importantly, how can we prevent them from damaging our skin?

What Are Free Radicals?

Your skin's worst enemy... free radicals are unstable, reactive molecules which contain one or more unpaired electrons in their outer shells.

Free radicals are produced from pollution in the oxygen we breathe, overexposure to UV radiation, cigarette smoke, and other environmental stressors.^[1]

How Do Free Radicals Impact My Skin?

When free radicals are unable to borrow an electron from other cells, they attack healthy skin cells and steal oxygen from them. This is a process called "skin oxidation" which can lead to pre-mature skin aging.

Over time, this oxidative stress contributes to a break down in the skin's collagen and elastin production, resulting in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and increased skin dullness. Free radicals can also damage the skin's natural moisture barrier, triggering inflammation and hyperpigmentation.^[2]

Living in an environment with increased air pollution causes a greater prevalence of free radicals, so it's important to know how to protect your skin from their damaging effects.

How Do I Protect My Skin Against Free Radicals?

Antioxidants are the key to protecting your skin against free radicals, as they provide a second layer of defense on top of the skin's natural barrier. Potent antioxidants will neutralize free radicals and have the power to prevent free radical damage before it occurs.

Antioxidants also reduce inflammation in the skin, helping to reverse visible damage caused by free radicals. Vitamins A, C, and E are some of the best antioxidants for your skin.^[3]

Ingredients That Fight Back:

Edelweiss Flower Stem Cells

Grown wild at high altitudes, edelweiss flowers undergo severe weather exposure, contributing to their ability to repair and fight free radicals. Their potent stem cells contain compounds with more than 200% the antioxidant power of pure Vitamin C. Plus, the flowers contain high levels of flavonoids which help protect against free radicals. Find this superpower flower in our advanced anti-aging Seeds of Youth Serum.

Edelweiss Flower Stem Cells

Grown wild at high altitudes, edelweiss flowers undergo severe weather exposure, contributing to their ability to repair and fight free radicals. Their potent stem cells contain compounds with more than 200% the antioxidant power of pure Vitamin C. Plus, the flowers contain high levels of flavonoids which help protect against free radicals.

Find this superpower flower in our advanced anti-aging Seeds of Youth Serum.

Micro Hyaluronic Acid

Micro Hyaluronic Acid (low molecular weight) contains antioxidant properties that effectively scavenge free radicals produced from UV radiation. This helps to promote the appearance of natural repair and reverse the signs of aging.

The ultimate youth-enhancing ingredient, micro Hyaluronic Acid is formulated into our Seeds of Youth Serum and Velvet Botanical Moisturizer.

Organic Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil

Rich in Vitamins E and B which help support overall skin health and protect against free radicals. Jojoba Oil is full of nutrients which help tame inflammation, renew skin cells and improve skin elasticity.

This antioxidant-rich, superhero ingredient is formulated into every Ogee product!

Organic Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil

Rich in Vitamins E and B which help support overall skin health and protect against free radicals. Jojoba Oil is full of nutrients which help tame inflammation, renew skin cells and improve skin elasticity.

Find this antioxidant-rich, superhero ingredient formulated into every Ogee product!

Pollution-Proof Skincare:

References:

1. Pham-Huy, Lien Ai et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health.” International journal of biomedical science : IJBS vol. 4,2 (2008): 89-96.

2. Ranscombe, Sian. "How to Protect Your Skin from Free Radicals." Harper's BAZAAR. Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Oct. 2017. Web. 07 Sept. 2021.

3. Flinn, Allie. "Everything You Need to Know about Using Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine." Byrdie. Web. 09 Sept. 2021.