Duo Guide: What Are Free Radicals and How Do They Affect Your Skin?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause significant damage to your skin cells, leading to premature ageing and other skin concerns. Understanding what free radicals are and how they impact your skin is the first step to protecting your complexion. Here’s what you need to know.

1. What Are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. They form in your body due to environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and even stress. While your body has natural defences to neutralise free radicals, an excess of them can lead to oxidative stress, which damages skin cells, proteins, and DNA.

2. How Free Radicals Affect Your Skin

Oxidative stress caused by free radicals breaks down collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful. This damage accelerates the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Free radicals can also lead to uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and a dull complexion. Over time, prolonged exposure to free radicals can even weaken your skin’s natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental stressors.

How to Protect Your Skin

• Antioxidants Are Key: Use skincare products containing antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide to neutralise free radicals and repair skin damage.
• Sunscreen Is Essential: Protect your skin from UV-induced free radicals by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Free radicals may be unavoidable, but with the right skincare and lifestyle habits, you can minimise their impact. Incorporating antioxidants and daily sun protection into your routine is a powerful way to shield your skin and maintain a youthful, healthy glow.