Are Free Radicals From The Sun And UV Rays Bad For Your Skin?

Sun/UV exposure is one of the leading causes of free radical production in the body. You have likely seen the word free radicals being used a lot, but do you know what they really are and their effects on our skin?

Here’s what’s happening.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells. What made them unstable is that they are missing an electron, and this causes them to search and 'steal' electron from other good molecules to make them whole and stable. This in turn causes the good molecules to become free radicals. This chain process is oxidation, which damages healthy cells.

Imagine leaving a cut avocado or apple out – it’ll turn brown. That is an example of oxidation or deterioration caused by free radicals. Our skin is the largest organ of our body, most exposed to sun and UV-induced free radical effects. Free radicals damage skin’s DNA, accelerating skin ageing. Sources of free radicals include blue light (from mobile devices, laptop, and TV), stress, air pollution, dust, cigarette smoke, and of course sun or UV rays. Free radicals in small and controlled quantities may not be a major concern. However, an excessive amount in your body may lead to premature ageing.

Sun exposure generates free radicals that age the skin, causing roughness and wrinkles. Other skin damages include:

• Changes in skin tone
• Pigmentation and age spots
• Skin sensitivity and redness
• Reduction in skin collagen resulting in saggy skin

It is almost impossible to avoid total exposure to the sun or free radicals, but there are a few precautions to keep your skin healthy. One way is loading up on antioxidants!

Antioxidants are compounds that can donate an electron to a free radical so that it does not have to take the electron from a healthy molecule. Antioxidants include Vitamin A, C and E, and they can be found mostly in plant foods. Referring to the avocado/apple example earlier, if you squeeze lemon juice on the avocado or apple, it can significantly reduce the browning. That’s antioxidants in action! The antioxidant nutrients in lemon juice reduce oxidation. It is not easy keeping track of what foods are antioxidant rich. One convenient way in ensuring we get our daily dose of antioxidant is LAC MASQUELIER's^® French Pine Bark Extract!

LAC MASQUELIER's^® French Pine Bark Extract contains the world’s first widely researched and scientifically proven OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) discovered by scientist Professor Jack Masquelier. Researched and scientifically proven for longer than any other French Pine Bark Extracts worldwide, this unique and rich OPCs complex offer powerful body defence against the harmful biological effects of free radicals associated with premature ageing.

Studies have shown LAC MASQUELIER's^® French Pine Bark Extract to be 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E, and 20 times more powerful than vitamin C as an antioxidant.

LAC MASQUELIER's^® French Pine Bark Extract:

• Defy ageing by fighting against harmful free radicals and their harmful biological effects
• Strengthen and retain skin collagen, contributing to supple skin with stronger elasticity
• Maintain collagen levels and supports vascular health
• Promote healthy veins, reducing occurrence of unsightly veins on skin surface, resulting in a more even and youthful-looking skin appearance

With the help of LAC MASQUELIER’s^® French Pine Bark Extract, you no longer need to hide from the sun, but embrace it (in moderation) for its health benefits! The all-rounded effectiveness of this free radical scavenger restores and improve our overall skin health, making it the most unique, safe, and natural source of antioxidant around.