Have you ever noticed the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles sooner than you expected? Fine lines and wrinkles are rewards of aging and signs that we’ve been living and laughing. However, nobody wants to look older than they are. One of the biggest accelerators in premature aging is due to oxidative damage.
Oxidative damage can lead to DNA telomere shortening and genetic alterations, accelerating signs of aging. Beyond aging, oxidative damage plays a role in developing significant health challenges. The good news is there are many action steps you can take to reduce oxidative damage with healthy lifestyle habits.
Oxidative damage happens to cells and tissues when the production of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to counteract their damaging effects with antioxidants. This process occurs internally from unhealthy lifestyle choices such as eating processed foods and too much sugar.
Other common causes of oxidative damage are sun exposure, smoking, and toxin exposure. We are exposed to a number of toxins on a daily basis internally that harm our organs, including the skin. Exposure to chemical toxins in your air, water, and food can trigger not only oxidative damage, but other root causes of health issues such as microbiome disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, and hormone imbalances.
Avoiding toxins is essential for clear, glowing skin. Unfortunately, the number of chemicals and toxins in our environment is increasing at an alarming rate, and our bodies soak them up like sponges. When it rains, air pollutants, pesticides, and other chemicals are washed into our water supply. The crops we eat absorb this water, and the animals we eat also live off the contaminated water, plants, and feed, so chemicals concentrate in their bodies.
One toxin of particular concern is endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs include substances in our environment, water, food, and personal care products that interfere with the production, transport, breakdown, binding, and elimination of hormones. Exposure to EDCs ultimately affects the hormonal system and the skin.
In general, we want to prevent pigmentation changes to the skin because they’re signs of sun damage, and they also signal internal disturbances.
To explain this further, here’s a brief anatomy/ physiology lesson:
Increased melanin production leads to hyperpigmentation. Excess production is usually caused by sun exposure, inflammation, free radicals, and hormonal changes. When we experience oxidative stress from sun exposure, oxidative damage occurs. This spirals into increased melanin production to protect the skin and thus worsens hyperpigmentation.
Oxidative stress may seem unavoidable, but with the right routine, you can protect and repair your skin. Start using antioxidant skincare, shield your skin from the sun, and embrace a healthier lifestyle to reveal a radiant, youthful glow.
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