Skincare Terms: Antioxidant, Free Radicals, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Antioxidant

Antioxidants work to combat the “free radical cells” that damage your skin. They counteract Free Radical damage by binding to the free radicals, transforming them into non-damaging compounds, or repairing cellular damage.In addition, they promote stimulation of new collagen growth.

Free Radicals

Free Radicals are created when oxygen produces by-products during normal cellular metabolism. More accurately, this reactive oxygen ‘borrows’ electrons from proteins, DNA and cell membranes, damaging tissue. Free radicals are produced by normal human metabolism however they can be increased by the environmental hazards particularly smoking, drinking alcohol, exposure to heavy metals and UV radiation.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Naturally-occurring acids found in sugar cane and citrus fruit. AHAs include lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and pyruvic acid. Glycolic acid is the most popular of the AHAs, because it has the smallest molecular structure and most easily penetrates into the skin’s surface. AHAs have the ability to remove and loosen cells from the stratum corneum (skin surface), causing the skin to look smoother and making wrinkles less noticeable. The use of AHAs also helps retain moisture in the surface layers of the skin.