Antioxidants Skin Care and Anti-Ageing.
Free Radicals really devastate skin cells. Combating them has become today one of the primary goals of anti-ageing care as oxidative stress leads to DNA changes, weakens the structure and density of the skin and damages the epidermal barrier.
Free radicals are released to the atmosphere, appear as a result of ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, and are also produced in cells, e.g. in mitochondria. These particles usually act as very aggressive oxidant that destroy various cutaneous and epidermal structure. Paradoxically, as a result of ageing and some skin condition, the efficiency of individual antioxidant system in the body decreases and the skin loses its ability to regenerate after damage.
Oxidative stress result in damages to biological membranes (lipid peroxidation) and the related destruction of epidermal cells, collagen degradation, decrease of density and loss of cutaneous supporting tissue, exacerbation of acne-related lesions , impairment of microcirculation and – consequently – accelerated ageing of the skin. Both direct UV radiation and the free radicals it generates damage element of the epidermal barrier. They degrade the substances contained in the intercellular cement of the ceratoid layer (unsaturated lipid) and decrease the activity of sebaceous glands.
For dry skin, this means worse water balance. Dermatologist observe increased water loss, skin dryness, susceptibility to irritation and sensitivity to environmental factors as well as accelerated formation of wrinkles.
The great five.
Coenzyme Q10, Rosmarinic acid, silymarin, ergothioneine and thioproline are the strongest antioxidants skin care in contemporary cosmetology, based on which specialists from Dr Irena Eris Centre for Science and Research have filed three proprietary patent application within last three years.
Coenzyme Q10 is a free radical scavenger. It plays an important role in detoxification processes and facilitates cellular metabolism. Contained in cosmetics, it increases skin firmness and has a rejuvenating, regenerating and highlighting effect. It helps to preserve skin youth and vitality.
Rosmarinic acid is an antioxidant that protects skin cell DNA against free radicals. It slows down the ageing process and reduces skin damage caused by UV radiation, environmental pollution and stress. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it can reduce damage related to vitamin E deficits. It has anti-inflammatory effect and activated skin defence mechanisms. Used in cosmetic products in combination with thioproline, it constitutes a synergistic antioxidant complex.
Ergothioneine is an exogenous amino-acid and an effective anti-radical substance that helps to protect cellular structures against damage by reacting with various forms of free radicals. It is also the antioxidant that is most rapidly used by skin cells. It influences reduction of MMp-1, one of metalloproteinases-enzymes that break up collagen fibres responsible for skin firmness. It also decreases the level of TNF-B, a substance that is primarily responsible for inflammation caused by UVB radiation. Ergothioneine can also protect you against skin discolorations caused by sun exposure. Used in cosmetic products in combination with thioproline, it constitutes a synergistic antioxidant complex.
Silymarin is a complex of flavonolignans of vegetable origin, obtained from the seed shells of milk thistle. Used in skin care, it has anti-inflammatory, detoxicating and cellular membrane stabilizing effect. Recent research has shown its highlighting effect too. It is a strong antioxidant that neutralizes oxides. Like the rosmarinic acid, silymarin-when combined with thioproline-constitutes a synergistic antioxidant complex.
Thioproline is an amino-acid with a strong antioxidant effect that protects skin cells exposed to UV radiation in particular. It improves epidermal structure and stimulates its growth and regeneration.
Effective antioxidants are an indispensable ingredient of contemporary cosmetics. However, it is very important to combine intense antioxidant action in everyday skin care with facial treatments like Q10 & Antioxidants Oxy-Energizing Facial.
Dr. Renata Debowska.
Dr Irena Eris Centre for Science and Research
