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Antioxidants and Health: Protecting Your Skin by Barbara Swanson, licensed esthetician

Theory of Oxidative Stress

According to the Theory of Oxidative Stress, we age due to the accumulation of free radicals, causing damage to cells and then organ systems. A free radical is a molecule that is unbalanced. The type of free radical that causes the most problems is the oxygen free radical. Oxygen free radicals, or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), are especially unstable and aggressive, and they seek to bind to another molecule in order to become balanced. It is in this 'scavenging' process that the damage to cells occurs, often resulting in a veritable cascade of damage. In this free radical cascade, each new free radical can cause more destruction than the one before it. Each free radical in this chain is different in chemical structure from the others and affects a different part of the cell, so a variety of antioxidants is needed in order to protect skin and organs. In this chain of changing free radicals, each one will be neutralized only by certain antioxidants. This is a very important concept to remember. Individual antioxidants will neutralize specific free radicals within this chain of destructive free radicals. When we are under a lot of stress, it is difficult for the body to catch all the free radicals early in the chain reaction. This stress can be from many different sources, such as pollution, bad water, chemicals in non-organic foods, bacteria or viruses, and even sun exposure. Highly processed foods and oils in the diet may be major sources of free radical production in the body. Sugar is also a culprit, and so is a diet that does not have the variety of vitamins and essential nutrients that are necessary to help our bodies fight the negative effects of free radicals. By applying topically and taking internally a variety of antioxidants, we enable our bodies to neutralize many destructive free radical forms and thus protect our cells and ourselves. Because no one antioxidant works on all free radicals and in every area of the body, to offer an effective defense a combination of a number of antioxidants is necessary. In fact, many antioxidants reinforce and/or recycle each other. The trick to effective antioxidant protection is to: Use only natural whole food complexes, enzymes, and extracts; Combine different antioxidants for a complete complex; Take advantage of the synergistic effect that a number of antioxidants offer.

Steps in the Oxygen Free Radical Cascade

Singlet Oxygen: Although not a true free radical, it begins the damage to cells. Often triggered by skin-damaging ultraviolet light, it targets tissue and cell components, affecting structural changes, and it initiates the formation of elastase and collagenase, enzymes that destroy elastin and collagen. Resulting in: decreased blood supply to the skin Neutralized by: coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene (found in blue-green algae), green tea extract Superoxide: This inflammatory agent attacks cells by causing inflammation, which interrupts blood flow and other cellular functions. It also destroys enzymes and cell membranes, leaving the cell vulnerable. Resulting in: fine lines and wrinkles Neutralized by: vitamins C and E, trace amounts of zinc, copper, and manganese (found in blue-green algae), green tea, coenzyme Q10 Lipid Peroxyl: A radical that continues cell destruction by hardening and deforming lipids in cell walls and in intercellular fluids, leaving cell walls weak and unable to function. Resulting in: thick, rough skin; deep wrinkles; sagging skin Neutralized by: grape seed and grape skin extracts, green tea, coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E Hydrogen Peroxide: Although not a direct free radical, it is dangerous because it easily crosses the cell membrane and enters the nucleus, hardening and deforming protein molecules. Worse, it converts to the hydroxyl radical (see below) in the presence of iron. Resulting in: age spots; dryness; irritation; sensitivity; poor immune system response Neutralized by: glutathione (found in blue-green algae), peroxidase, catalase Hydroxyl Radical: The most dangerous of the oxygen free radicals, it can attack and mutate DNA. No longer salvageable, the cell must be destroyed by the body. This radical can be prevented by eliminating the preceding steps. Resulting in: DNA mutation Neutralized by: vitamin C, superoxide dismutase (found in blue-green algae)

Simplexity Health to the rescue

Simplexity Health products--from our whole food supplements to our drinks and bars to our skin care lotion--are designed to help provide a broad spectrum of antioxidant support, which helps the body to effectively neutralize the different free radicals. External Support: NutraBeautiful Antioxidant Lotion Being a whole food supplements company, we understand the skin as an organ system and how the health of the skin can affect the health of the entire body. Because 20-35% of our innate immune system cells are in the skin, there is an opportunity to support the health of the body with a non-irritating external lotion formulated using antioxidants that promote skin health. Simplexity Health's powerful NutraBeautiful Antioxidant Lotion with WGP™ Beta Glucan contains antioxidants proven to help protect the body against free radical damage. This highly fortified and nourishing antioxidant lotion offers a natural form of protection, and is safe for all ages and skin types. The focal ingredient in Simplexity Health's lotion is WGP™ beta glucan. Our lotion is formulated with a large percentage of this key antioxidant ingredient, evident in the beautiful natural--not artificial--color. This product also contains significant levels of other high-quality food-grade antioxidants, including vitamin E and blue-green algae, offering a complete spectrum of external antioxidant support for your skin. For maximum softness and protection, use NutraBeautiful Antioxidant Lotion with WGP™ Beta Glucan; since beta glucan is a large molecule and doesn't sink readily into the skin, it helps to cover and soothe dry or irritated skin. This is not just an antioxidant lotion, but it contains a unique patented form of beta glucan that has been shown in scientific studies to support the immune function of the skin. After exposure to the elements (or anytime you want to condition the skin), smooth on this remarkable lotion.

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