Skindred Soul

We believe that understanding what free radicals are and why antioxidants are the saviors of your health and your beauty is absolutely crucial for everybody. Many people don't know that the destructive effect of free radicals is linked to many of the serious diseases around today. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and this is the reason why Skindred Soul focuses on antioxidants in our whole skincare line. All our products are packed to the brim with super-potent antioxidants in high concentrations.

If you really want to make a difference for your skin, then you need to know the truth how the use of antioxidants fights free radicals.

So, if you would like to dive a little deeper into this very complex subject, keep reading...

Free radicals are molecules in our cells that have unpaired electrons that lead to their high oxidative activity. (As an example, rusting is an oxidative activity, so when you envision what rust does to metal, then you get a good picture of what happens to your skin cells.)

Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds, trying to capture the required electron to gain stability. Generally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electron. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction. Once the process is started, it can cascade, finally resulting in the disruption of a living cell.

The production of free radicals in the human organism is a natural and essential component of cellular metabolism. Our body has an amazing built-in defense system of antioxidants that is quite capable of neutralizing free radicals that are produced during metabolism. However, exposure to various environmental factors, including harsh skincare products, smoke and sun exposure, weather extremes, and stress can also lead to free radical formation.

If the number of free radicals formed in the tissue is significantly increased, the defense mechanism of the body is unable to neutralize all these reactive molecules. In this case, chain reactions start which again form high amounts of free radicals. This leads to so-called oxidative stress, which may cause a number of serious diseases. Many people don't know that free radical damage within cells has been linked to a range of disorders including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes, and is also responsible for premature aging.

"The human organism has developed defense organisms against the destructive action of free radicals which, based on the action of antioxidant substances such as enzymes, vitamins, carotenoids and other substances, form an antioxidant network of living organism. The human organism cannot synthesize carotenoids and vitamins, thus, they can only be received from supplements or topical application." (Source: Effect of Antioxidant Substances on Human Tissue. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2006;19:238-247)

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the electron-"stealing" reaction. They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease.

All antioxidant substances act as a "protection chain", which means that different antioxidant substances possess a synergistic effect and protect each other from direct destruction in the process of neutralization of the free radicals. Thus, they act effectively only in combination with other types of antioxidant substances.

Some skincare products on the market contain a single antioxidant that the manufacturers claim to be "superior" and "the most powerful". The truth is that there is absolutely no clinical research that confirms that there is such thing as "the best antioxidant". Every skin reacts differently and the cookie-cutter method "one size fits all" is not the right approach when it comes to skincare. Only if you offer a wide variety of powerful antioxidants your skin gets the best possible free radical protection.

All Skindred Soul™ products are packed to the brim with super-potent antioxidants in high concentrations. Our Energize & Care Super Antioxidant Serum contains no less than 25 powerful antioxidants that work together to protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, and to make your skin the healthiest and most beautiful ever.

A brief but important note at the end: Research shows that the more antioxidants you apply to your skin, the better. However, when it comes to taking antioxidant supplements orally, moderation is key. Try to get as many antioxidants as possible through a healthy diet. If you feel you need to take additional supplements, make sure that you have a wide variety of antioxidants, but in relatively low doses. Research shows that overdosing oral supplements can actually lead to the creation of free radicals.