What Are Free Radicals — And How Can They Damage Your Skin?
Understand where these destructive particles come from, and how to fight back with effective skincare.Published:
3 minute read
The term free radicals has become a skincare buzz phrase — but what are these problem-causing culprits, and exactly how do we stop them? We have all the answers — from the underlying science to specific product recommendations — courtesy of dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper).
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What are free radicals?
You might recall from chemistry class that everything (including your body) is made up of atoms: tiny particles containing a nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons, arranged in layers. Scientifically speaking, a free radical is an oxygen-containing molecule with an extra electron in its outermost orbit. This electron imbalance makes the molecule highly unstable, because the molecule will either give that electron away, or take one from a nearby molecule — setting off a chain reaction inside cells called oxidative stress.
Where do free radicals come from?
Free radicals are a normal byproduct of many different types of chemical processes. They can be produced naturally, i.e. internally within the body, or they can be created by external environmental factors.
Common sources of internal free radicals
- Exercise
- Inflammation
- Normal energy metabolism within cell mitochondria
- Diminished blood flow to an area (known as ischemia/reperfusion injury)
Typical sources of external free radicals
- Certain drugs and pesticides
- Smoking (cigarettes and vaping)
- Unhealthy diet
- Sunlight (UV radiation)
- Environmental pollutants
How do you get rid of free radicals?
Under ideal conditions, your body is able to balance free radicals using molecules called antioxidants — substances that react with free radicals so they can’t bind to your cells and cause damage. Antioxidant sources have been widely publicized in recent years, so you’re probably familiar with this roundup:
- Fruits and vegetables: blueberries, spinach, kale, raspberries, goji berries
- Dark chocolate
- Spices: turmeric, clove, oregano
- Beverages: tea and coffee
- Vitamins and minerals: vitamins C and E, selenium, carotenoids (like beta-carotene and lycopene)
Dr. Pimple Popper's Free Radical Fighters
Do free radicals damage skin?
Modern life (read: junk food, pollution, sun exposure, etc.) means that many people don’t have enough antioxidants to balance out all that damage. Both internal and external free radicals cause skin damage in a variety of ways. When unstable molecules steal electrons from other molecules within your skin cells, it causes damage to the cell — including DNA. Signs of this damage show up readily in the skin, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sagging
- Dark spots
- Uneven tone
- Dull skin
How can you stop free radical damage to skin?
The best way to prevent skin damage from free radicals is to up your antioxidant levels. You can do this by consuming more antioxidant-rich foods (see above), as well as by applying topical antioxidants to your skin. However, it's crucial to remember that antioxidants alone aren't enough. Protecting your skin from UV damage — the primary source of free radicals — requires daily sunscreen use.
Here is a roundup of all-star antioxidant skincare ingredients:
- Vitamin A: aka retinoids, this powerful ingredient is proven to boost cell turnover
- Vitamin C: aka ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl palmitate, helps guard against UV damage and hyperpigmentation
- Vitamin B3: commonly called niacinamide, this antioxidant strengthens skin’s barrier
- Resveratrol: guards against UV damage and boosts collagen production
- Green tea extract: a potent, calming de-puffer with anti-inflammatory properties
- Kojic acid: an alpha hydroxy acid antioxidant that inhibits tyrosinase, slowing down melanin production
Don't forget: Sunscreen is your first line of defense against free radical damage. By shielding your skin from UV rays, sunscreen reduces the number of free radicals generated, making your antioxidant skincare routine even more effective.
Try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
What skincare products contain antioxidants?
Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) formulated SLMD Skincare with a host of powerful, free radical fighting antioxidants. Here are her highlights:
- Salicylic Acid Cleanser: this deep-down, pore-purifying face wash is infused with soothing green tea extract to protect and cleanse skin without drying or stripping
- Retinol Resurfacing Serum: a time-release formula that infuses skin overnight with vitamins A and C, speeding cell turnover and brightening to battle signs of aging
- Facial Moisturizer: an everyday, lightweight moisturizer formulated with vitamin C that helps prevent the oxidative stress that leads to premature aging
- Vitamin C Serum: a potent trio of highly stable, gentle vitamin C ingredients, plus hyaluronic acid that visibly plumps and firms, and minimizes the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and dark spots
- AHA/BHA Swipes: a cocktail of exfoliating acids, plus potent antioxidants like kojic acid to help even tone and purify pores
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Today we live with more environmental pollutants and stressors than ever before, and it is negatively impacting our skin and ultimately accelerating the skin’s aging process. Understanding that our skin is susceptible to these external factors like free radicals, pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather, we can better understand how to treat, protect, maintain and restore healthy complexions.
