She Blinded Me with Science

Hello Hello,

 Today's blog post will cover antioxidants and their functions.  

I have been incorporating an antioxidant in to every treatment for each of you since reopening a few months ago.  We all need a boost of antioxidants and vitamins for our health and skin as the effects of this heavy cloud hanging over is taking a toll.  

Antioxidants are ingredients that prevent free radical damage by deactivating, neutralizing, or obstructing free radicals. In the process they protect the cellular membrane, the immunological system, and the internal functioning mechanism of the epidermis and dermis.  Free radicals are part of the human physiological system, and the body produces antioxidants to defend itself from free radical damage. Natural antioxidants seem to exist in greater concentration in the epidermal layers of the skin than in the dermal layers. This may reflect the fact that the epidermis is directly exposed to various external sources of oxidative stress and may have evolved to have greater antioxidant defense capacity than the dermis.

For example, the skins epidermal layer contains vitamin E, vitamin C and super oxide dismutase with an even distribution of vitamin E throughout the greater amounts of vitamin C at deeper levels. The main problem arises when the amount of free radicals formed in the skin and or the body is greater than the body's natural antioxidant capacity. Because of free radical attack, once formed, is immediate, the skin needs to have a reservoir of antioxidants. This reservoir, ready to neutralize free radicals as soon as they are formed, together with sunscreens are the two key tools for preventing skin damage an extrinsic aging. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage by regenerating a deactivated antioxidant allowing it to continue with this antioxidant function. Preventing the formation of secondary chemicals that create skin damaging reactions. 

Here are a few common antioxidants with a description.  

Vitamin E - One of the most powerful antioxidants available, vitamin E is considered the first line of defense against free radical damage.  It exists in the cellular membrane to protect the membrane against lipid oxidation. However, the quantities are insufficient when a large amount of free radicals is formed . Studies demonstrate that even a small vitamin E deficiency can produce cellular damage.

Vitamin C - or L-Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant, though weaker than vitamin, E it complements vitamin E in the fight against free radical damage of the cellular membrane by allowing vitamin E to free itself from damage caused by free radicals and continue with its antioxidant activity. It is soluble in water and is rapidly deactivated when composed to moisture exposed to moisture and oxygen.  For use in cosmetic products it needs to be encapsulated or incorporated in a stable form. Today, encapsulated ingredients combine vitamins A, C , and E, allowing them complete defense against free radical damage during the process of free radical deactivation.

Vitamin A - Vitamins A, C, and E work in harmony,  whereas vitamin E protects the cellular membrane, damage caused by free radical attacks to vitamin E can be neutralized by vitamin C and afterward by pro vitamin A for complete deactivation leaving all the other elements free to continue their antioxidant performance. 

Green Tea -  Is considered to be one of the most active antioxidants. Some sources indicate that it may be up to 25 times as potent as vitamin E, but there is no clarification whether this refers to application on the skin or internal consumption. Green tea contains a variety of antioxidants named catechins, the most important of which is a very long scientific word that I can't even pronounce. When topically applied, green tea enhances a cellular protective response to inflammation. 

Carotenes - Carotene is a family name for a variety of naturally occurring chemicals in plants, the most commonly known being beta carotene.  Carotenes are found in

different forms, each of which has a different molecular structure and antioxidant activity pattern. Carotenes as a group however do not require regeneration in order to continue with their antioxidant activity making them a

long lasting natural source of antioxidants. When carotenes are formulated with

vitamin E, received to have a synergistic effect making their antioxidant activity greater than when they are used individually. 

Pomegranate Extract - Pomegranate is reported to contain high quantities of ellagic acid, a polyphenyl antioxidant. Studies indicate that it has a greater antioxidant capacity than

some varieties of green tea. In addition, it is believed to reinforce the skin

structural fibers.

Well this was a long one.  

I am making a concerted effort to post updates and fun treatments via Instagram:

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Facebook: Brash Studio

(after the turn of the year, I will officially change my business name to Pro+Age with Ashley Miller)  

Stay tuned for more fun and beneficial news.  

Let's Pro+Age

xo Ashley

Source Credit: Milady Standard Advance Esthetics