Delay the aging process

You can delay the aging process

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The skin is like an apple

Imagine that there are two simple ways to delay the aging process. If you use antioxidants and sun protection, you are well on your way! We constantly hear people talking about antioxidants and their beneficial properties. What exactly are antioxidants, and why is it important to add them to our bodies and skin?  

The skin is like an apple. Did you know that the body produces many antioxidants itself in the form of various enzymes? What the body cannot produce itself must be supplied through our diet, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals.  

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Antioxidants and free radicals

Antioxidants protect the cells in our bodies from so-called free radicals and can slow down the oxidation of other chemical substances.  

Free radicals are simply unstable molecules that are missing an electron and therefore attack other healthy cells, such as skin cells. It is important to supply the body with antioxidants (found in colorful foods such as fruits and green tea) so that the cells are protected and do not break down.  

Every day, the body is exposed to free radicals, but too much exposure can be harmful to us.

Free radicals affect our aging process and it is almost impossible to avoid them completely. Several things that negatively affect this process include stress, radiation, sun exposure, medication, pollution, and smoking. You may not be able to avoid everything, but if you think about it a little, maybe you can reduce some of the factors that play a role here?

Antioxidants are found in:

1. Walnuts
2. Colorful berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and pomegranates
3. Vegetables such as broccoli and kale
4. Green tea, coffee, and dark chocolate

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Collagen

Free radicals can attack and break down collagen. Collagen is a protein found in our skin, and when it is destroyed, we lose the elasticity (resilience) of our skin. The skin deteriorates in quality and, unfortunately, ages faster.

4 visible signs that your skin has been exposed to oxidative stress (free radicals)

1. Inflammation
2. Hyperpigmentation
3. Wrinkles
4. Reduced volume

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Facts about the skin

• 90% of premature aging is caused by external factors (environmental influences).
• 78% of premature aging occurs with temporary daily exposure, regardless of weather conditions!

Did you know that the pollution we encounter every day contributes to the breakdown of vitamin E in the epidermis and the breakdown of connective tissue in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin)?

It sounds dramatic, but that's why it's important to think about what your skin is exposed to every day.

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Protect your skin

Use sunscreen

Unfortunately, the sun is our worst enemy when it comes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. We need about 15-20 minutes of sunlight (depending on skin type) per day to maintain our daily dose of vitamin D. Too much sun exposure will make the skin feel dry, lose its glow, and can cause pigment damage. It's never too late to start using sunscreen! A broad-spectrum sunscreen will reflect and absorb UVA/UVB rays on the skin's surface and protect us from premature skin aging and external influences.

Antioxidant serum

Your skin needs a good antioxidant serum, which should be applied under sunscreen. An antioxidant serum strengthens the skin's internal defenses against external influences and enhances the skin's own ability to repair and correct signs of aging. Together, antioxidant serum and sunscreen provide optimal protection!

When choosing an antioxidant serum, it is important to choose one that contains high-quality vitamin C. One product that delivers what it promises is CU Ferulic from SkinCeuticals. Apply a few drops in the morning (before sunscreen) and it will protect your skin for up to 72 hours! At the clinic, we have antioxidant serums for all skin types.

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3 benefits of antioxidant serum

1. Stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
2. Corrects fine lines, wrinkles, and gives the skin a more even skin tone
3. Active antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals

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With apples as evidence

Take an apple and cut it in half. After a short time, the apple will turn brown and oxidize. When you add an antioxidant such as a little lemon juice or other vitamin C, we can repair the damage and the apple will brighten up and regain its healthy light color.

The same thing will happen to your skin after you use a good antioxidant serum. Your skin wants to repair itself from the damage.

2 important things to remember

1. Remember to include a good antioxidant serum the next time you invest in a new sunscreen so that you are well protected against free radicals.  
2. Don't forget to provide your body with fruits and vegetables every day 💗

Take care of your body and skin, and contact us if you have any questions.

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Happy and sunny greetings from

Malin . Cosmetic Dermatology Nurse

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