Just like cutting an apple causes it to turn brown, oxidation affects your skin in a similar manner. As we age, the skin’s antioxidant defense system weakens, losing its capacity to fight the oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are naturally-occurring, unstable extra electrons that seek out other extra electrons from healthy cells, damaging them and creating more free radicals in the process. They cause DNA damage in cells throughout the body-including the skin-leading to inflammation and deterioration of the cells, essentially “rusting” them.
Antioxidants bind to free radicals before they can cause this damage. Vitamin C, for example, prevents this from happening by protecting the cells.
To see for yourself, cut an apple and rub lemon juice on it. Just like it preserves the apple, it can help protect your skin.
