Antioxidant science

Skin protection from the inside + outside correction

Properly formulated topical antioxidants have been shown to provide internal protection from skin-damaging free radicals. Additionally some have a corrective action such as collagen synthesis and reduced hyper pigmentation resulting in a comprehensive anti-aging effect.

But what are antioxidants, how do they work, and what other benefits do these active molecules have for the skin?

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation is a type of damage that occurs when molecules lose electrons. Five types of antioxidants found naturally in the body that protect against cellular damage are: glutathione, ubiquinone, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), and alpha lipoic acid. Antioxidants work by different mechanisms to stop or neutralise damage. Out of the five antioxidants found in the body only vitamins C and E have been proven to get into skin. Additionally, there are a few plant antioxidants known to work in skin.

What’s a free radical?

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, causing them to be unstable and highly chemically reactive.
These unstable molecules are generated by UV rays, infrared radiation, pollution, and lifestyle factors like alcohol and cigarette smoke. Inside the skin, free radicals damage cells, their DNA, and other vital cellular components. Over time, free radical damage leads to visible signs of accelerated skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and even skin cancer.

While sunscreen is the first line of defence and essential for protecting skin’s surface from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen filters only protect skin from up to 55% of free radicals*. Topical antioxidants work in skin to neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage. Incorporating a topical antioxidant and sunscreen into a daily skincare regimen provides comprehensive protection from environmental damage.

*Haywood, R., et al, J Invest Dermatol 2006;121:862-868

Skinceuticals:

The antioxidant authority

In 1997, SkinCeuticals changed the face of skincare with the introduction of Serum 10 and Serum 15, the company’s first stabilized, pure L-ascorbic acid topical antioxidants
SkinCeuticals founding scientist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell conducted research about antioxidant formulation and discovered these factors, now known as the Duke Antioxidant patent. SkinCeuticals is the only brand to formulate antioxidants according to these standards.

The skinceuticals difference

A topical vitamin C antioxidant must penetrate skin to be effective. This is dependent on three factors: The form of vitamin C used the concentration, and the pH of the solution.
In the years since the patent, each subsequent antioxidant generation has been subjected to rigorous clinical studies—and the results are clear: SkinCeuticals topical antioxidants neutralise free radicals caused by solar radiation and other environmental factors for inside protection, while synthesising collagen production for outside correction.

Oil Pulling An Ayurveda technique to improve gum health and whiten teeth.

Most adults have some symptoms of gum disease, even if just mildly. There is a huge market in the business of teeth whitening. A lot of money is spent on over-the-counter teeth whitening products annually. So what if you could whiten your teeth and kill cavity and disease-causing bacteria at the same time? You'd sign up straight away, we all would. That's the theory behind the practice of oil pulling; rinsing your mouth with oil daily will give you: whiter teeth, a healthier mouth and a healthier body.

Despite what's trending on the Internet, oil pulling isn't new; it's actually part of the tradition of Ayurvedic medicine. Unlike the Western style of medicine most of us are accustomed to, Ayurveda follows a more holistic approach to healing the body, tailoring remedies for your body type and constitution and generally focusing on preventing disease. It's been practiced for more than 5,000 years in India. 

Using oils on and in the body is not an unusual practice in Ayurvedic medicine; oils are used as part of a daily routine called dinacharya (as a part of daily morning massage, as well as a remedy for sore joints or irritated skin). So it's not a surprise to find traditional Ayurvedic writings mention swishing or retaining oil in your mouth practices called Kavala Graha and Gandusha  as a way to prevent oral health problems such as bad breath (halitosis), cavities and gum disease (gingivitis). Kavala Graha and Gandusha differ slightly, but they're considering gargling methods rather than pulling. Gandusha involves filling your mouth with oil and holding it there for 3 minutes before spitting. Kavala Graha involves swishing with oil for 3 minutes before gargling and spitting.

You can use organic sesame seed oil, coconut oil or sunflower oil.

Oil pulling requires only a tablespoon of oil and 20 minutes of your time. The idea is to suck – or pull the oil between your teeth while you rinse with it. Spit out the leftover oil, it will turn white and slightly foamy into the bin (don't spit oil in the sink) rinse and check out those pearly whites.

Patients with greater numbers of bad bacteria in their mouths are more likely to be diagnosed with atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries, in the neck -source: Griffin. And it's not just heart health that's affected. Limited studies have found an association between the number of teeth you've lost and your risk of developing certain cancers: Gum disease is associated with a 30 % greater risk of blood cancers, a 49% greater risk of kidney cancer and a 54 % greater risk of pancreatic cancer in adult men -source: American Academy of Periodontology.