Our skin is very vulnerable to the damage by oxidants. Oxidative stress particularly produce free radicals which have damaging effects. Free radicals are the molecules having one or more pair of unpaired electrons. They are cleared by defence mechanism of our body. When there is a counter-balance between production and clearance, excess of free radical damage the cells. Lots of factors regulate their production like stress, pollution, smoking , UV rays, radiation, chemicals.
Stress enhance the aging process. Pollutants enhance the process of free radical generation and damage by lipid peroxidation of cells. Smoking is a aetiology in a number of cancers like cancers of oropharynx, larynx, lungs, breast, bladder. UV rays from sun may damage the epithelial integrity producing harmful free radicals which if not scavenged produce chain elongation by oxidative stress subsequently damaging cell membrane and subsequently may lead to skin cancers. Ionizing radiation too generate potential unstable molecules leading to skin damage. Chemicals and insecticides are also causative agents of different carcinomas including skin cancers.
The antioxidants do play the scavenger role blocking the chain propagation and potential cell damage and further harmful effects of free radicals. We will discuss the role of antioxidants particularly having role in skin rejuvenation and repair.
1. Vitamin A– The role of vitamin A is to maintain the epithelial integrity. It reduces the signs of wrinkling, dark circles and aging. Vitamin A is available in three forms like retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. The most active form of vitamin A is retinol. Sources are green leafy vegetables, fruits like mango, orange and non-veg sources like liver. Vitamin A regulates the vigour, epithelial regeneration collagen formation and reduces inflammation. It is available both in oral and topical forms. It also useful in acne.
2. Vitamin C — Vitamin C is helpful in collagen formation. Aging causes degradation of collagen producing wrinkles, loosening of skin. Vitamin C along with micronutrients enhances the skin collagen formation, thus reducing aging process, wrinkle formation and replacing skin structural integrity. The sources of vitamin C are Orange, Guava, Amla, citrus fruits.
3. Vitamin E– Also known as tocopherols. It is a very potent antioxidants preventing skin cancers. Sources are almond, sunflower peanuts, oil, safflower oil. It is available in capsule forms.
4. Niacinamide — It reduces the signs of inflation and aging. Sources are cereals, meat, fish egg, vegetables.
5. Zinc — It is a micronutrient involved in skin repair and deficiency may cause disorders like acrodermatitis enteropathica.
6. Omega 3 fatty acids– Omega 3 fatty acids reduces oil formation, regulates balanced hydration and potentiate free radical scavenger action. Sources are fish, egg, nuts, berries.
7. Resveratrol– It is found in grapes, berries. It is a type of polyphenols protecting the skin against harmful oxidative damage.
8. Curcumin– Curcumin found in turmeric. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. Also helps in wound healing.
