An antioxidant is an agent that possesses the property ofpreventing or slowing down the oxidation process of a substrate, and thus the production of free radicals. In the body, there is a constant balance between oxidative defenses and pro-oxidant species: in other words, antioxidants are constantly eliminating free radicals.Although it has been proven that the presence of small amounts of free radicalsare necessary for the proper functioning of metabolism (defense mechanism against microbes, elimination of old or defective cells, etc...), they can become harmful if they are produced in excess.
An imbalance then sets in (excessive production of free radicals or absence/deficiency in antioxidants) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) begin to cause damage to vital components of cells (DNA, proteins, lipids...) with the result being adisruption in the skin's natural ability to regenerate and in cellular communication, apremature aging of the skinor even in the long term be the cause ofskin cancers.Indeed, free radicals will activate a myriad of signaling pathways that among other things lead to a reduction in collagen production, and the synthesis and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) responsible for the degradation of connective tissue, which then promotes skin aging.
Although free radicals are a natural byproduct of processes occurring within the body, these incomplete molecules are not solely generated by the body. Numerous external factors (pollution, stress, lack of sleep, sedentary lifestyle, UV rays, smoking, alcohol consumption, electromagnetic waves, allergens, etc...) are known to trigger or increase their production, which then manifests as signs of aging (age spots,skin sagging, fine lines, etc...), a loss of radiance and an increase in skin sensitivity (photosensitivity, redness, irritations…).