You have certainly heard of free radicals, but what are they? They are among the main culprits of skin ageing (and not only!).

Free radicals are molecules naturally produced by our cells. If they are produced in minimal quantities, free radicals are mostly disposed of by the body through chemical processes with antioxidant action. However, when we expose ourselves to excesses of these molecules, e.g. from environmental sources (pollution, smoking, etc.) and maintain unhealthy lifestyle habits, their production can increase, generating an unbalanced situation that leads to an excessive increase in free radicals: so-called oxidative stress.

Unfortunately, our bodies are not always able to protect us from this type of situation either, thus favouring the appearance of irreparable damage to our cells and their DNA (with the effect of premature skin ageing, the appearance of spots and, in some specific cases, even skin cancer).

The main factors that increase the production of free radicals are:

• ultraviolet radiation
• pollution
• cigarette smoking
• excessive alcohol consumption
• stress

Although skin ageing is something natural and unstoppable (at least nowadays it is), it can be accelerated by excess free radicals. The biological functions of proteins, such as that of collagen itself, are thus altered, leading to their progressive reduction. The progressive loss of collagen corresponds to a loss of support structure. The skin thus begins to relax, losing elasticity and becoming more 'wrinkled'.

Preventing the excess formation of these molecules and their damage is therefore very important. We must therefore start by modifying (improving) our habits, adopting a good diet, making daily use of topical products with an antioxidant action before applying sun protection. This is a fundamental step to neutralise the damage that these powerful molecules (free radicals) can cause. The combination of antioxidant + photoprotection is very useful for our skin.

Some antioxidant active ingredients are, for example, the following: Vitamin C, green tea, niacinamide, ferulic acid and vitamin E.

We know, however, that cosmetics help, but they are not miraculous. It is therefore also possible to intervene with targeted aesthetic medicine treatments to prevent skin ageing by stimulating collagen production, such as our Renew&Glow Protocol, or the Skin Firm Protocol, to improve skin firmness.

Our centre's novelties also include Sculptra, a powerful and effective bio-revitalising agent to combat loss of skin elasticity.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Lugano centre should you require further information on the treatment!

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Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash