Free Radicals And Skin Damage

The skin is the body's largest organ and one of its most complex, comprising multiple layers of epithelial tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. The skin protects against pathogens, provides insulation, temperature regulation, and sensation, and helps synthesize vitamin D.

The skin's outermost layer, known as the epidermis, provides a waterproof barrier against the external environment. The epidermis largely comprises keratin, a fibrous protein made by keratinocyte cells, and melanin, the skin's main pigment, which is produced by melanocyte cells.

Below the epidermis is the dermis, which provides essential support to the epidermis. In addition to nerves and glands, the dermis contains essential proteins called collagen and elastin. Collagen is the skin's main supportive protein, while elastin provides the skin with flexible elasticity. Helping to provide moisture to the skin are essential lipids and glycosaminoglycans, which are large, sugar-like molecules that bind with water.

Years of cumulative free-radical damage can induce dramatic changes in the skin's health and appearance. The epidermis becomes less capable of tissue repair and renewal.13 Collagen becomes sparser and less soluble. Elastin fibers are slowly degraded and damaged, and areas of sun-damaged skin accrue abnormally structured elastin. Glycosaminoglycans can no longer properly interact with water while lipid content decreases with age.

The end result of these many age-related changes is skin prone to wrinkling, dryness, sagging, decreased flexibility, dullness, and poor healing responses.

The skin is highly susceptible to free-radical-induced damage due to aging and exposure to environmental stressors. Skin damage that occurs from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light is known as photoaging. Skin aging manifests as wrinkles, sagging skin, rough texture, decreased moisture content, impaired wound healing, and discoloration.

Restoring the skin's youthful appearance requires repairing free-radical induced damage, providing antioxidant protection, restoring moisture content, supporting production of collagen, elastin, and keratin, and enhancing the skin's healing mechanisms. Research has validated that topical antioxidants, including idebenone, pomegranate, green tea, and vitamins E and C fight photoaging, lessen fine lines, and may protect against skin and helps ensure adequate skin moisture content and enhances the skin's healing capacity.

[tags]skin damage, reverse aging skin, aging skin[/tags]