Free radicals are highly reactive species that oxidize the cells of the epidermis. This phenomenon is known as oxidative stress. It is one of the causes of accelerated aging of the epidermis. Vitamin C is a substance capable of neutralizing free radicals and thus slowing the appearance of wrinkles. Let's delve deeper.
Vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals.
Summary
Published on October 28, 2021, updated on June 29, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 3 min of reading
Themes:
Free Radicals: Definition and Origin.
Free radicals are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are faced with a stress, they produce them in excessive amounts. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UVA, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars.
Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and in doing so, cause damage to the body's cells, DNA, and proteins. This accelerates aging and results in wrinkles appearing on the skin's surface.
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The action of Vitamin C against free radicals.
Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin derived from glucose metabolism, present in the body and essential for its proper functioning. When applied topically, it protects the skin from oxidative stress. Its mechanism of action relies on a sequential donation of its electrons to neutralize free radicals. Moreover, several studies have shown that this molecule reduces the production of free radicals such as superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and simple oxygen molecules. Therefore, it is relevant to apply a vitamin C treatment in the morning to protect your skin from external aggressions.
The use of Vitamin C in skincare.
To protect your skin from excessive production of free radicals, we recommend using a Vitamin C skincare product both morning and night. Typology has developed five products containing this active ingredient at various concentrations: the radiance face serum, the antioxidant face cream, the radiance toner, the tinted serum , and the serum for wrinkles and loss of firmness.
Sources
HUMBERT P. Topical vitamin C in the treatment of photoaged skin. European Journal of Dermatology (2001).
FARRIS P. K. Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatologic Surgery (2005).
