Oxidative Stress
Definition
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. In the skin, oxidative stress is primarily triggered by UV radiation, air pollution, cigarette smoke, blue light from screens, and even normal cellular metabolism. When free radicals overwhelm the skin's antioxidant defenses, they damage cellular structures — including DNA, cell membranes, proteins like collagen and elastin, and lipids in the skin barrier. This damage accelerates photoaging (premature aging from sun exposure), contributes to hyperpigmentation, impairs wound healing, and increases the risk of skin cancer. Combating oxidative stress requires both avoiding excessive free radical exposure (through sunscreen and pollution protection) and bolstering the skin's antioxidant defenses with topical antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, resveratrol, and niacinamide.
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