Topical Antioxidants Emerge as New Line of Defense against Photo-Aging

Antioxidants are powerful allies against the war on free radicals. In the past, the research on antioxidants has been focused on internal uses of antioxidants such as foods and nutraceutical supplementation. However, new research is showing that topical application of antioxidants can also provide protection and nourishment to the body, from the outside in. Skin care products containing topical antioxidants can now be used to protect the skin from damaging UV rays and other environmental factors as well as giving the skin a younger, fresher and more radiant look.

Damage from free radical exposure is one of the main sources of skin aging. Free radicals are produced in large quantities within our very own cells as a by product of energy production. Likewise, we are susceptible to free radical damage when exposed to any UV rays, such as the sun and certain medical tests, as well as from smoking, eating particular foods and from other common environmental assaults.

Free radical damage refers to the vicious chain reaction that occurs when one molecule is missing an electron. It scavenges this missing electron from any other available molecule nearby leaving the attacked molecule unstable. In turn, the unstable molecule either remains damaged (the first step in the aging process) or also begins to look for an electron to steal from somewhere else. This reaction continues until an extra electron is added from an outside source and can donate electrons to satisfy each of the molecules that are missing electrons. This outside source is known as the antioxidant.

Topical antioxidants must be able to penetrate the upper layers of dead skin and carry their extra electrons into the deeper dermis to reach the cells that need the electrons. The most powerful of topical antioxidants include vitamins C and E and ferulic acid.

Ferulic acid is found in the leaves and seeds of plants where it protects the organism from ultraviolet ray damage. When applied to human skin the substance works in a similar manner to neutralize free radicals which could cause oxidative damage to cell membranes and DNA. Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) has been shown to be an effective anti-photoaging agent. Additionally, alpha-tocopherol, or vitamin E also exhibits strong antioxidant effects when applied topically.

All three of these mighty topical antioxidants can be found in SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic product. This topical antioxidant combines effective amounts of ferulic acid, and vitamins C and E for protection against premature aging that is eight times the skin's normal natural protective powers.

The product is easy to apply, just rub in four to five drops to a clean, dry face and neck in the morning. CE Ferulic will protect from photo damage as well as stimulate the body's own collagen production to diminish already present signs of skin damage including fine lines and wrinkles.

For optimal results CE Ferulic is best followed with a topical antioxidant moisturizer such as SkinCeuticals Daily Moisturizer which also uses the antioxidant power of vitamin E for all day protection and hydration. The Daily Moisturizer is also formulated with sea algae, amino acids and essential minerals to replenish nutrients for well nourished skin every day.

Full body protection and moisturizing can easily be obtained with SkinCeuticals Advanced Body Firming Lotion. This lotion combines topical antioxidants such as vitamin E with Japanese soy isoflavones, which add antioxidant and hydrating properties, along with Brazilian marine algae, which gives an additional emollient layer of hydrating power. Skin will look and feel smoother, younger and healthier after a quick massage of this luxurious lotion.