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What are

free radicals

and how do they damage skin?

Like most all things in the world, Free Radicals are searching for balance. Unfortunately for us, that balance is easily achieved within our skin – the perfect target for Free Radicals to “steal” electrons, causing our cells to mutate. Free Radicals are unstable molecules produced by many different factors.

Types of Free Radicals:

• Superoxide Anion Radical
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Hypochlorite
• Nitric Oxide Radical
• Peroxynitrite Radical

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WHERE DO FREE RADICALS come from?

Free radicals can be generated internally within metabolic processes such as hormone fluctuations and emotional stress or externally from environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollutants, industrial chemicals, and ultraviolet light from the sun. 

Free Radical Defense
TIP #1
Use a daily SPF of 30 or Higher, even when indoors. (UVB rays penetrate glass)
Free Radical Defense
TIP #2
Incorporate a Vitamin C serum into your routine. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that will help scavenge Free Radicals.
Free Radical Defense
TIP #3
Avoid exposing skin to chemical air fresheners, household cleaners and cigarette smoke – these all contribute to Free Radical damage.
Free Radical Defense
TIP #4
Add an occlusive layer to your routine. Air pollution can also contribute to Free Radical skin damage when exposed over long periods of time. Mineral powder sunscreen provides barrier protection against sun and pollution.
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WHy avoid free radicals?

Free Radicals can have drastically negative effects if never treated.

Beyond being a precursor to skin cancer and malignant melanoma (which can be fatal), Free Radicals are also a major cause of premature skin aging. While wearing a daily SPF is the first line of defense against Free Radical Damage, incorporating a topical antioxidant into your daily skincare routine can help scavenge Free Radicals and lead to overall healthier skin.

What Do Free Radicals Do
when they damage our skin?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that search for electrons to stabilize themselves. The cells in our skin provide the perfect target for free radicals to “steal” electrons, causing our cells to mutate. When a mutated cell replicates, a copy of the mutation is created which can worsen skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and melanoma. 

Healthy cells before damage

Free Radical molecules enter skin and attack healthy cells

Oxidated cells replicate and create more damaged cells

DrT_Labcoat

Tina Alster M.D. Creator & Co-Founder of The A Method®

WHY USE SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY?

"It’s critically important to use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher to prevent free radicals from ever forming in the skin, but a daily antioxidant serum can also help to protect and restore skin, especially after sun exposure in the Summer months.

It’s also important to avoid chemical air fresheners and house cleaning supplies as well as cigarette smoke and other air pollutants that abound in large metropolitan areas." 

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