What is oxidative stress and why we should be aware about it?

Oxidation is a natural cellular process that takes place in our bodies, however Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between our free radical and antioxidant activity. Who knows what a free radical is, we hear about them all the time, but what are they and what do they do? Free radicals are unstable electrically charges molecules in the cells that react with other molecules and damage them. Antioxidants are molecules that fight damage by free radicals, these are our hero molecules. Before you completely condemn free radicals, they do have their uses, free radicals can help to fight off pathogens and help keep us healthy and they are constantly formed during metabolism.

Antioxidants maintain a healthy free radical balance, however if the balance get disrupted by our lifestyle, things can go wrong and the free radicals start to out number the antioxidants and oxidative stress occurs causing damage to our cells, our DNA, our body proteins and lipids. This can lead to cell death, illness and diseases such as:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer
  • Accelerated ageing

So what are the triggers of this imbalance known as oxidative stress?

There are numerous causes, poor diet, too much alcohol, sugar and fatty diets, sun exposure, pollution, cleaning products, sleep deprivation and blue light emitted from computers and smart devices. In modern society it is almost impossible to avoid free radical damage and oxidative stress, but there are ways you can help yourself to minimise the effects. Make healthy life choices: Eat a healthy diet, containing vegetables and fruits, the vitamins will help your body to produce natural antioxidants; e.g. dark green vegetables, tomatoes, carrots and berries. Take regular moderate exercise, don’t smoke, decrease your alcohol intake, avoid contact with chemicals and pesticides on food substances and always wear sun screen.

Oxidative stress and your skin

As a Skin Therapist working at Essential Well-being I treat people daily concerned about ageing, I recommend Dermalgica products packed with vitamins especially vitamins A and C. Vitamin A ( Retinol ) has become very popular delivering a multitude of benefits including cell repair and development. It speeds up cell turnover encouraging the skin to naturally exfoliate. Vitamin C ( Biolumin C) which is considered as the most potent antioxidant and can fight against sun and pollution damage and it regulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin reducing lines and wrinkles. Daily application of these products will help to maintain the free radical and antioxidant balance therefore slowing the effects of ageing.

For further advice please contact the clinic at 9 London Road Spalding on 01775 249425