“An atom or molecule having at least one unpaired electron: free radicals are usually very reactive and unstable, and can damage healthy body cells “.

One group of free radicals which is a byproduct of mitochondrial oxygen metabolism processes is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).  The ROS group always contains Oxygen or Per Oxides and is highly unstable. ROS can also be generated as a result of ionizing radiation such as UV radiation.

Free radicals are constantly created in the body during normal metabolism, ROS play a major role in inter cell communication that govern basic cell activities and coordinates the cell’s reactions to its micro environment, for example, initiating the tissue healing process in cases of injury. They are also deployed by the immune system as a way to attack and kill harmful bacteria such as Acne bacteria, the reactive oxygen – O₂^- molecule is highly toxic and is actually deployed to destroy these bacteria and it is also an important component of “cell suicide” needed to remove cancerous cell, damaged cells or cells whose life span had reached its end.

The body deals with the free radicals, more specifically ROS, via specific enzymes that break them down or neutralize them or through Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, Uric acid and more.  Antioxidants prevent oxidative reactions, often by scavenging ROS before they can damage cells.

Normally, the body can handle ROS, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the ROS production becomes excessive, damage can occur which is labeled “Oxidative Stress”. Of particular importance is that ROS damage accumulates with age. This can be as a result of increased ROS production combined with a decrease in cellular Anti Oxidant activity.

The market is flooded with antioxidants for anti aging in all forms, from specific juices, extracts and pills. It is a heavily used term when it comes to food advertising and of course in anti aging cosmetics.

But are antioxidents always good for you? Analysis of data from many studies demonstrated that use of large quantities of anti oxidants can actually cause harm and shorten life span. It can also interfere with cancer treatment and prevent the recovery process after strenuous exercise as the ROS actually remove damaged and cancerous cells.

Free Radicals do cause acceleration of skin aging. Exposure to UV, stress, smoking and alcohol can increase ROS levels in the skin. The free radicals will altar the structure of our proteins, therefore damaging the collagen and weakening cellular structure. Unfortunately research has not demonstrated that ingestion or topical use of Antioxidants can prevent or eliminate wrinkles or other effects of aging skin. Merely taking antioxidant supplements will not correct the loss of skin elasticity or make the facial skin look younger.

So what can be done to reduce the affect of free radicals on the aging skin?

First, avoid UV damage by avoiding exposure to sunlight during dangerous hours in addition always apply a sunscreen when out in daylight.  Avoid smoking and large quantities of alcohol. Consume a diet with abundant quantities of vegetables and some fruit (too much sugar is also not beneficial to skin), and find ways to reduce your stress levels.

One way of repairing the damage to the skin and to induce collagen regeneration is via treatments using the TriPollar RF technology. This treatment will stimulate the fibroblast to generate new collagen fibers and to produce a thicker and denser dermal layer therefore reducing the visible signs of aging skin caused by the aging process and by exposure to free radicals.