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We all want to live a long time, but no one wants to grow old. The signs of aging are particularly evident on the skin, and protecting it properly is the most practical way to preserve its quality over time.
Every day, our body undergoes a series of biochemical stresses caused by substances we often hear about: free radicals. But what exactly are they, and why are antioxidants considered the most effective response?
What are free radicals?
A free radical is a molecule containing electrons with an unpaired arrangement: they are not paired with one another. This condition makes them highly unstable and very reactive, meaning they must stabilize quickly.
To achieve balance, however, they trigger a chain reaction of oxidative processes: a sequence of chemical reactions that are among the main mechanisms of cellular aging.
Free radicals are not all the same. Among the best known are ROS, reactive oxygen species, which are widespread in the human body because they are constantly generated as by-products by energy-producing cells.
The production of free radicals is a physiological and inevitable event. That is not the problem: the body has enzymatic systems that neutralize a large proportion of them. The problem arises when the external oxidative load exceeds the body's natural defense capacity.
Where does the external oxidative load come from?
Numerous environmental factors generate free radicals:
- Sunlight, the single most significant factor for the skin;
- Air pollution and fine particulate matter;
- Smoking, including passive smoking;
- Alcohol;
- Psychophysical stress;
- Unbalanced diet, as well as certain substances formed during cooking.
The result is that we are exposed to an oxidative load for much of the day, accelerating the deterioration of skin cells.
What happens to the skin?
Take collagen, the protein that gives the skin firmness: once damaged by oxidative processes, it loses its flexible structure and functionality, resulting in a loss of elasticity and a duller appearance.
The effects also include reduced skin hydration, dryness and redness, as well as the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. In scientific literature, this phenomenon is called extrinsic aging, distinguishing it from genetically determined aging.
Antioxidants: how they work
If free radicals are enemies of the skin, antioxidants are its best allies: they are precisely the substances that neutralize the action of ROS by donating the electron they seek and interrupting the chain reaction.
One useful clarification: no topical antioxidant can replace sunscreen. Antioxidants reduce the damage that has already occurred; sunscreen prevents it from occurring. They work together, not as alternatives — as we explain in the article on sun protection and vitamin D.
Among the most studied antioxidants in cosmetics are vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, lycopene and plant-derived polyphenols.
Antioxidants in LeLang formulas
Red grape extract
The Uvè Biotech line is created from red grape extracts from our hills, rich in bioflavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties. This mechanism is explored in greater detail in the articles on Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract and red grape stem cells.
Perlage face cream contains red grape extract and features special vitamin E microspheres in its texture, which release their protective effect gradually and over an extended period.
PERLAGE Anti-wrinkle face cream - antioxidant with high antioxidant and protective power. Reduces the depth and intensity of... Discover PERLAGE
Vitis Eyes Contour completes the treatment of the eye area, combining peptides targeting puffiness and fine lines with hyaluronic acid and red grape extract.
VITIS EYES CONTOUR Nourishing lifting eye contour cream Hydrates and nourishes the delicate area around the eyes. Reduces expression wr... Discover VITIS EYES CONTOUR
Vitamin C and ferulic acid
In the serums from the Must Have line, we work with documented antioxidant synergies. FeruliC + HA combines stabilized vitamin C and ferulic acid: the latter stabilizes vitamin C and, according to research, doubles its photoprotective effect.
FERULIC + HA SERUM Brightening antioxidant serum for the face based on Vitamin C & Ferulic AcidEFFECTS: Lightens blemishes Stimulates c... Discover FERULIC + HA SERUM
Lycoglow Serum instead focuses on liposomal lycopene, an antioxidant extracted from tomatoes, with a brightening effect on the complexion.
LYCOGLOW SERUM Illuminating face serum and anti-pollution Illumina Improves hydration Helps to reduce skin flaking Protects from UV... Discover LYCOGLOW SERUM
Protection from blue light and pollution
Blue Defence Lift Serum is based on a microalgae complex designed to combat oxidative stress caused by pollution and high-energy visible light.
BLUE DEFENCE LIFT SERUM Lifting serum for face and anti-pollution Protects from pollution, UV radiation* and blue light Hydrates effectively... Discover BLUE DEFENCE LIFT SERUM
More than cosmetics
Antioxidants applied to the skin are one part of the strategy, not the whole solution. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, and maintaining regular sleep also matter — because it is at night that the skin regenerates its defenses.
If you do not know where to start when creating an antioxidant routine suited to your skin, we can assess your situation together.
