Biologi have developed a serum to defend against daily environmental triggers and aggressors. Image supplied.
If you haven’t heard of oxidative stress before and how it affects the skin, you’re not alone. Most people are aware of common factors that can have an impact on the skin, like the sun, lack of sleep and the products we use. However, oxidative stress is actually a very common thing that can happen in the skin, leading to concerns like fine lines, wrinkles and inflammatory skin diseases. Biologi’s Education and Training Specialist Allison Ware shares what you need to know.
What is oxidative stress?
Firstly, let’s start with understanding what oxidation is. Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place in your body. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. Without getting too much into the science behind it, when there’s an imbalance, we can expose our skin to pathogens which lead to infection. Ultimately, oxidative stress is an imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies. Ideally you want your skin to be functioning properly to help fight off pathogens, but oxidative stress can impact this.
How does oxidative stress happen?
It happens when we are exposed to external sources air pollution, cigarette smoking, and pesticides, which creates by-products in the skin called free radicals. When there are more free radicals present than can be kept in balance by antioxidants, the free radicals can start doing damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in your body. Proteins, lipids, and DNA make up a large part of your body, so that damage can lead to a vast number of diseases over time.
How does it affect the skin?
Unfortunately, oxidative stress can affect the skin in many ways, specifically contributing to the loss of collagen, skin sagging, fine lines and texture changes. Oxidative stress can also trigger dark spots and other discoloration of the skin.
The increased stress in the skin can disturb the barrier stratum corneum lipids, breaking down our all-important skin barrier which leads to increased skin sensitisation, inflammation, and inflammatory ageing. What’s more, the disrupted skin barrier can trigger a skin response in skin disorders like eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer.
How can we combat oxidative stress?
One word – ANTIOXIDANTS! Antioxidants are so important to keep cells healthy and functioning at capacity. How do we get antioxidants you ask? Well, either through the food we consume, or via the skincare we use (ideally through both)! As most people know, beautiful skin starts with the inside, so consuming foods like leafy greens such as kale, spinach or broccoli can assist with antioxidant consumption, as well as beetroot, radish, lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkin. Fruit is also a great choice, as are legumes and beans.
Then, to assist with the outside of your skin (but also helping your skin on a cellular level), choose a hard working anti-pollution serum like Biologi’s new Bg Defence Anti-Pollution Serum. The name says it all, with this super serum being the ultimate daytime protector to defend against daily environmental triggers and aggressors. Rich in protective phyto-actives, this 100% active serum helps to shield against blue light and environmental pollution, whilst boosting skin’s glow and overall texture. Its unique combination of Vitamins B and C, along with vital protective nutrients, aim to enhance photo stability, provide protection for the skin, and help to fight the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Proving that natural and scientifically backed skincare can coexist, Biologi’s Bg Defence Anti-Pollution Serum is 100% active yet is undiluted, free from fragrance and contains zero synthetic activating agents. Developed for all skin types and conditions, it contains no harmful chemicals or even water – just the active plant Strawberry Gum Leaf extract that is wild harvested and sustainable.