What are free radicals and oxidative stress?... A little chemistry

Let's start with some very basic concepts: our cells are made up of the combination of countless different molecules; Molecules are collections of atoms, and atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

An atom, or a group of atoms, that has lost an electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. To recover its lost stability, it captures, very easily and quickly, that electron that it lacks from the atoms of other molecules. Thus, these “victims” in turn become free radicals that begin to steal electrons from the atoms of nearby molecules, which can generate a cascade production, known as oxidative stress (removing electrons from another molecule is oxidizing it).

So far, understood, right? But... why are free radicals so bad?

In reality, normal processes in our body, such as breathing, metabolizing food or exercising, produce free radicals. The problem appears when we suffer sustained excessive oxidation, since then our own biological defense mechanisms against them are not capable of neutralizing so many radicals, which end up altering and deteriorating our cells. These stop working correctly and, as a consequence, premature aging or even some diseases such as cancer, cataracts or arteriosclerosis appear.

Antioxidants to the rescue

Our body constantly fights free radicals with a powerful weapon: antioxidant defenses. These safeguards for our health can be our own (enzymes) or acquired through foods and products rich in vitamins to protect your skin by providing antioxidants directly. Make sure your cosmetics include a good concentration of suitable components; They will help you not only repair the oxidative damage that your skin may have suffered until now, but also preserve its beauty in the future.

In any case, since the sun's rays are great producers of free radicals, the best way to prevent their negative effects is by using sun protection every day!