Explore Plastic Surgery - Dr. Barry Eppley

Antioxidants are a common buzzword in both skin care and numerous health care supplements over the past decade. Preventing ‘oxidation’ in aging certainly seems like a good idea. But few who use these products probably understand how they work and what exactly are they supposed to treat. In addition, when and how are you supposed to get the benefits of antioxidant therapy?

Antioxidant products are geared to combat free radicals. A free radical is an unstable molecule in cells which occurs as a result of its electrons becoming separated. This can be caused by such damaging sources as ultraviolet rays, smoke and pollution. The natural aging process and cellular metabolism also causes free radical production. This separated electron desperately wants to  find another electron to which it can become paired. To do so, it may steal one from a healthy cell causing it to become damaged as well.

We generate millions of free radicals every minute and our bodies are very clever at repairing the cellular damage they cause. But over time, the repair process weakens and our skin begins to show ‘its age’. This results in wrinkles and otherwise dull skin externally. And it also causes localized inflammation that affects a lot of internal tissues and organs as well. Overall, free radicals are believed to be a primary cause of the general aging process.

Antioxidants work fundamentally by neutralizing free radicals and stimulating cells to repair their damage. They are ‘happy’ to provide that missing electron whichi helps stabilize and repair cells. To affect the skin, antioxidants must be part of a skin care formulation. Eating and drinking antioxidant compounds helps repair internal structures such as organs and the celplular glue that holds tissues together.

Numerous ingredients in skin care products have been shown to have these properties. Well known ones include coenzyme Q10, kinetin, idebenone as well as vitamins C and E. No evidence currently exists that shows any of the antioxidants to be more effective than another. Regular use in your skin care products, both during the day and at night, will get the best benefit. In otehr words, twice daily application of antioxidant-containing skin care products is ideal.

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants  can also help the body reduce its number of free radical effects. Consume a few servings of brightly covered food and drink each day. Highly concentrated antioxidants foods include apples, pomegranates, dark chocolate, red wine, artichokes, pecans, blueberries, strawberries, and spinach. A multivitamin daily supplement is also recommended.

There is real benefit to the use of antioxidants in skin care products. Their benefits can be maximized by additional use of good dietary selections and supplements which contain high levels of antioxidants. Together, the damaging effects from free radical s on your skin’s appearance can be lessened. While the use of antioxidants alone is not sufficient for all your skin care needs, it is one important step in the program.

Barry L. Eppley, M.D., D.M.D.

http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com

http://www.ologyspa.com

Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana

Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana

Indianapolis

Over-the-Counter Antioxidant Skin Care Nutrients

The single most popular and touted anti-aging ingredient in skin care are the anti-oxidants. They are in many topical products and are the buzz word in skin care over the past few years. They chemically work by destroying free radicals, which are destructive unstable molecules that form in the skin which has been exposed to sun, pollution, and general wear and tear. The free radicals are destructive to the collagen and cells in the skin and, hence, contribute to and accelerate skin aging. Anti-oxidant compounds work by neutralizing these free radicals, thus preventing their harmful effects.

The interesting question is what are the most effective antioxidants? Vitamins A and E are well known as well as CoEnzyme Q (CoQ10). How these directly compare in effectiveness and in what type of formulations are best has not been established. We are left to be swayed by marketing claims and packaging until further evidence is forthcoming. The most talked about antioxidant is from the coffee berry extract. What makes it so appealing is its apparent potency. It appears to have the highest antioxidant rating of any of the known antioxidants. Since penetration into the skin and delivery to the target, so to speak, is the rate-limiting step for any antioxidant, a high potency would suggest that even if only a fraction is actually absorbed, an anti-aging effect will still be seen. Or put another away, the coffee berry extract may be more effective at neutralizing free radicals than other antioxidants. We shall undoubtably see many more skin care products with it in 2008.

Regardless of the the type of antioxidant, the incorporation of these compounds in skin care products is important. They would be most effective in creams or serums that are applied at bedtime when the exposure to ongoing skin damage is minimized.

Dr Barry Eppley
http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com
http://www.ologyspa.com
Clarian North Medical Center, Carmel, Indiana
Clarian West Medical Center, Avon, Indiana
Indianapolis