Vitamin C - The Free Radical Fighter

Vitamin C - The Free Radical Fighter

If you haven’t introduced a Vitamin C formula into your routine, then you need to. This ingredient is one of the most powerful at fighting free radicals and harmful toxins that we are exposed to every day. It is a soldier at preventing the skin from damage and premature ageing from both external and internal factors. For so many reasons it is a cosmeceutical favourite. 

Let’s take a look at the types of free radicals that damage our skin. 

A brief chemistry lesson for you, stay with us! Our world is made up of molecules and within these molecules are atoms. These atoms then have tiny electrons orbiting them. Electrons love to be in pairs, think of them as hopeless romantics, when they’re together it’s all good. But, like any relationship, there can be trouble in paradise, and when this happens the unpaired electrons become free radicals and become very harmful.

Over half of our body is made up of water, oxygen atoms (maybe you’ve heard the reference that we’re basically walking cucumbers). These oxygen atoms undergo a process called oxidisation, this is when these atoms split and become those free solo radicals mentioned above. Although this process is completely normal and happening every single second of every day, we want to minimise it. 

Once these oxygen atoms split, they’re in full heartbreak mode and are seeking out other electrons to partner up with, rebound mode baby! Unfortunately, these newly single atoms steal electrons from anywhere that they can get them, gravitating to healthily paired up cells to split them up.

When these oxygen atoms aren’t successful at taking electrons from other oxygen atoms, they’ll go to great lengths to pinch from other cells in the body, which causes the breakdown in the DNA of the skin. This is the moment that our skin starts to reveal the damage of continuous exposure to these free radicals through wrinkles, sagging, dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and broken blood vessels. 

So how do we stall this process and protect our skin from free radicals? Remember that these single electrons are seeking a partner to become balanced and to feel safe. There are compounds that actually contain an extra electron that they can donate to a free radical without effecting their make up and becoming unbalanced. Theses compounds are antioxidants, the biggest weapon you have against free radical damage. 

Free radicals can be formed within the body, but the main culprit is pollution. Where you live and work, and the level of pollution in these areas will have a direct effect on how many free radicals you are exposed to, and in turn - how your skin looks. 

The main free radicals that will harm your skin are smog, dust, cigarette smoke (yes that includes vapes because nicotine is heavily ageing), household cleaners and farming pesticides. 

The most effective and well known antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. These antioxidants will bind to solo free radicals and stabilise them before they have the chance to wreak havoc on your skin.

Your diet will play a big role in combatting free radical damage, so eat dark leafy greens and include foods like raspberries, blueberries, other colourful fruits, dark chocolate, tea and coffee into your daily routine and meal plans.

An obvious choice and the most crucial one, is the inclusion of a Vitamin C serum into your skincare regime. These serums will really pack a punch against free radicals and your skin will maintain it’s health for far longer.

Our Active C Serum  was specially formulated to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the brightness of the skin. Made with Tyrosinase and Melanin Inhibitors, this serum will even out skin tone and reduce discolouration. The combination of AHA’s and antioxidants will gently exfoliate your skin and protect it further from free radical and UV ray damage. The inclusion of Magnesium and Peptides in our Active C Serum will improve the skin’s overall appearance and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Any skin type will benefit greatly from regular use of this serum. Pop it on in the morning followed by your eye cream and moisturiser. 

Best products to use alongside our Active C Serum are: 

Resurfacing Gel Cleanser -  formulated with AHA’s and anti-inflammatories to remove dead skin cells and impurities, it’s amazing for improving texture and tone. This cleanser works hard to reduce congestion and give you an instant glow through stimulating cell renewal and exfoliation. The perfect prep for the active ingredients that follow, great for skin that is uneven in texture and feeling crepey. 

Rejuvenating Eye Cream - another product filled with antioxidants to fight off free radical damage. It also combines Liquid Crystals and natural extracts to inhibit further environmental damage while restoring healthy skin, giving your eye area an instant plumping effect. Hydration is also key in this cream to ensure this sensitive area is nourished and well moisturised. Any skin type can use this eye cream, but those concerned with signs of ageing (crows feet) will want this stat.

UV Defense Moisturiser - we’re in defence mode against free radicals so opt for this moisturiser which also doubles as a physical moisturiser, completely blocking UV rays from even penetrating the surface of the skin. Filled with those lovely antioxidants and peptides, you’ll be free radical fighting…and winning...with this formula. We've also included calming, hydrating and nourishing properties, our UV Defense Moisturiser will help to rejuvenate the skin and improve its’ texture with Niacinamide. Suitable for all skin types and best applied in the morning. 

So what are you waiting for? Get free radical fighting and shop our Active C Serum.