How Oxidative Stress Damages Skin Over Time?
A healthy skin barrier works to protect our bodies in a powerful manner by acting as a shield against the environmental pollutants, temperature changes, harmful solar radiations, microbial infection and other external stressors.
Skin cells also need to replenish themselves by undergoing the repair processes, collagen and elastin production, regulation of moisture on skin and shedding of the older, dead as well as pigmented cells to bring out a fresh, strong and radiant skin barrier.
The defensive mechanism of the skin barrier may become too overwhelmed to function properly. One of the major reasons behind the damage of the skin barrier is Oxidative Stress.
This generally occurs with the presence of reactive oxygen species on the skin. Repeated oxidative stress can affect the structure as well as function of the skin. The oxidative stress skin damage is associated with
- Collagen breakdown
- Reduced elasticity
- Uneven pigmentation
- Inflammation
- Dryness
- Early aging
Understanding oxidative stress can therefore help explain why protecting the skin from it is totally important.
Understanding About Oxidative Stress
The cells of our body produce reactive oxygen species/ROS in a natural manner as part of normal metabolic processes. ROS in controlled amounts participate in important biological processes which includes
- Cell signaling
- Generating immune responses
The oxidative stress and skin damage becomes noticeable as the
- ROS production becomes excessive
- Antioxidant defenses become insufficient or exhausted
Antioxidants are basically the molecules that usually help neutralize reactive species and limit their ability to damage cellular components. These anti-oxidants are generally produced by the body itself in response to any oxidative damage but insufficient/depleted reserves of anti-oxidants can be replenished with the help of oral supplements or topical skincare.
The skin is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress because it is directly exposed to the stressful environment. Certain factors can actually increase the oxidative activity in the skin cells such as
- UV radiation
- Air pollutant
- Toxins
- Dirt & Dust
- Smoking cigarette
- Alcohol intake
- Extreme heat
- High humidity
How Free Radicals Affect Skin Cells?
To understand the long-term effects of oxidative stress, it helps to look at what reactive molecules can interact with.
ROS can affect several important components of skin cells, including:
- Lipids, which are important components of cell membranes
- Proteins, including structural proteins
- DNA and other genetic material
- Enzymes involved in normal cellular processes
- Components of the extracellular matrix surrounding skin cells
When these structures are repeatedly exposed to oxidative damage, normal cellular function can be disrupted.
The skin has repair mechanisms designed to deal with this type of stress. However, these mechanisms are not limitless. Aging itself can also reduce the efficiency of some protective and repair processes.
This creates a cycle in which environmental exposure as well as biological aging can gradually make the skin less capable of recovering from repeated stress.
UV Radiation: One of the Biggest Sources of Oxidative Stress
Sunlight is basically a very important environmental contributor that exerts oxidative stress on the skin barrier. The exposure for a longer time in the solar UV radiation can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species in skin cells. These reactive molecules can then trigger a series of biological reactions associated with
- Inflammation
- Cellular damage
- Pigmentation changes
This is one reason chronic sun exposure is strongly associated with free radicals and skin ageing.
Photoaging refers to skin changes caused largely by long-term exposure to UV radiation under the sunlight. It can appear as:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity
- Uneven skin tone
- Dark spots
- Rougher skin texture
- Reduced firmness
- Changes in pigmentation
UV exposure can also activate the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which are the enzymes that break down collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix.
Collagen provides much of the skin's structural support. When collagen is repeatedly damaged due to the oxidative action of the free radicals with constant sun exposure as well as no sun protection, the skin's ability to produce and organize new collagen becomes less effective, the cumulative result can be loss of firmness as well as the development of early signs of aging.
Collagen Breakdown
Collagen is one of the most important proteins involved in youthful-looking skin.
The dermal fibers of collagen as well as elastin form a supportive network within the dermis that totally helps the skin maintain strength as well as structure. Elastin contributes to the ability of the skin to be able to be stretched and return back to its original shape.
Oxidative stress can actually disrupt this normal physiological process of utmost importance required for a resilient skin barrier.
Damaging free radicals basically aid in promoting the cellular signaling pathways. These pathways end up increasing the enzymes which are normally involved in extracellular-matrix breakdown. Oxidative stress can also affect fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen).
Skin Elasticity Damage
Elasticity is another important characteristic of healthy skin. Elastin fibers basically support the ability of the skin to stretch and stay comfortable, providing skin with a bouncy, plump, healthy and lively feel.
These fibers can become altered and less functional, when the dermal matrix becomes increasingly damaged. Skin may subsequently lose some of its ability to maintain firmness as well as resilience. This can contribute to sagging and the development of deeper lines.
The contributing factors to senescence alongside oxidative stress on the skin may include
- Genetics
- Chronological aging
- Hormonal changes
- Lifestyle
Uneven Skin Tone
Oxidative stress also exerts its influence over the skin pigmentation. The extended exposure under the ultraviolet radiations can subsequently stimulate the activity of the melanocytes.
Melanocytes are basically those skin cells which are mainly responsible for producing melanin as well as they guide the overall skin tone with the distribution of melanin by action of melanosomes, responsible for melanin transfer.
Melanin is mainly a natural pigment that totally helps protect the skin barrier from repeated contact with UV radiations. The increased or uneven melanin production still can contribute to dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Inflammatory processes due to high solar heat characterized with redness, irritation as well as tanning aside from oxidative signaling can totally influence the melanocyte activity. Repeated environmental exposure may therefore contribute to pigmentation that appears over a period of time as:
- Sun spots
- Uneven complexion
- Marks of hyperpigmentation
- Post-inflammatory darkening in some individuals
Pollution
Mainly air pollution exposes skin to a complex mixture of particles and toxins present in the surroundings. Certain pollutants can increase oxidative stress at the skin's surface and may contribute to triggering of the inflammatory responses.
Chronic exposure to certain air pollutants is also linked with
- Oxidative stress
- Inflammation
- Pigmentation changes
- Other signs of skin damage
Particulate matter can actually interact with the skin and potentially generate ROS.
This is particularly relevant for people who may be living in areas with
- Poor air quality
- Significant traffic
- High air pollution
- Smoke
- Occupational dust
Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains numerous harmful compounds for the body that can increase oxidative stress throughout the body.
Smoking has been associated with
- Accelerated skin aging
- Changes in collagen metabolism
It can also affect blood vessels and tissue oxygenation, potentially reducing the skin's ability to maintain normal repair processes.
The combination of oxidative stress, impaired circulation as well as the changes in connective tissue can contribute to a characteristic pattern of development of signs of premature skin aging.
Weakened Skin Barrier
The outermost layer of the skin, particularly the stratum corneum, helps prevent excessive water loss (TEWL) as well as maintain the natural moisture barrier to shield the barrier against environmental irritants. A healthy skin barrier is of utmost importance to sustain a totally comfortable as well as resilient skin.
Oxidative stress as well as subsequently triggered inflammation can interfere with barrier function. When the barrier becomes compromised, the skin may lose moisture more easily and become more sensitive to environmental triggers.
Some people may experience -
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Flaking
- Increased sensitivity
- Rough texture
- Greater susceptibility to irritation
How Can You Help Protect Your Skin?
A few fundamental habits can help reduce environmental stress as well as support the skin's natural defenses.
Make Sun Protection a Daily Habit
Consistent protection from UV radiation is one of the most important steps for preventing UV damage against the distress on the barrier due to free radical formation. Broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect against the harmful UVA as well as UVB with consistent reapplication on a regular basis when under the sun for a longer period of time. Physical protectants can be helpful for additional protection. You can use additional items such as
- Hats
- Protective clothing
- Umbrellas
-
Sunglasses
You Should Eat A Nutrient-Rich Diet
A healthy diet that is mainly rich in oxidative stress antioxidants
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Whole Grains
- Nuts
- Seeds
These provide a holistically balanced nutrition to the body with essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals as well as antioxidants.
Common examples of antioxidant-rich foods include -
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Brussels sprouts
- Oranges
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Flaxseeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Chickpeas
- Black beans, etc.
Begin With Oral Anti-Oxidant Supplements
You should add a daily dose of Anti-oxidant rich supplementation in your daily nutrition. You can start with Glutiford Effervescent Glutathione Tablets as 1 tablet a day mixed in a glass of water.
These OTC tablets are composed with Liposomal Glutathione that is a master antioxidant which totally neutralizes the oxidative stress on the skin as well as reduces the amount of reactive oxygen species on the skin with improving the skin tone as well as boosting the collagen to support the structural integrity of the barrier.
Avoid Sedentary Lifestyle
You should avoid the habits that add to the oxidative stress on the skin and deplete the vital reserves of anti-oxidants in the body. Try to quit smoking and limit the intake of alcohol.
Aim for a consistent quality sleeping pattern that makes your skin look less dull and tired with a morning fresh feel. Take part in mental stress-relieving activities that keep your mind and body at ease as well as improve the hormonal balance to minimize the inflammation.
Summary
One of the biological factors involved in skin aging is oxidative stress. The excessive formation of reactive oxygen species can alter lipids, proteins, DNA, collagen, elastin as well as cellular communication. This kind of eventually ends up leading to inflamed skin, uneven pigmentation, a compromised skin barrier, sagging skin and premature signs of aging.
Your skin may be able to fight the oxidative stress with robust antioxidant reserves as well as barrier-repair abilities. There are also many everyday habits you can adopt to support these natural mechanisms.
The key is to start with the basics:
- Avoid excessive UV damage
- Strengthen your barrier
- Avoid smoking & alcohol
- Add sun-protection to daily skin care routine
- Consume a balanced, nutrient-dense diet
- Look for good daily oral anti-oxidant supplements
Aging is an inescapable part of life, but with greater awareness of oxidative stress, the sooner we begin to guard ourselves against it, the greater will be our chance of maintaining a healthy feel of the skin.
