Free Radicals in Skincare: What They Are and How to Fight Them

Antioxidants in skincare? They’re pretty famous, actually… but they need not hide from the paparazzi. 📸 Here at Sundae, we can reveal that our good friends antioxidants are pre-tty great at what they do (i.e., at keeping skin healthy and radiant). So, what exactly are they fighting against? Enter stage left: free radicals. *Slips boxing gloves on.* These troublemakers can trigger premature ageing, dullness and even long-term skin damage. 

But hey – there’s some good news in all this. With the right antioxidant-rich ingredients, you can help protect your skin and keep it feeling (and looking) gorg. You know, business as usual. Let’s break it down.

What are free radicals?

At a cellular level, your skin battles daily stress caused by unstable molecules with a missing electron known as ‘free radicals’. Because of this, they try to nab electrons from healthy cells, which can cause damage at a cellular level – a process known as oxidative stress. These baddies are a natural byproduct of cellular processes, but external factors like pollution, UV rays, stress and smoking can accelerate their production, potentially resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and uneven skin tone.

The good, the bad and the science behind it all: How free radicals affect your skin

But, not all free radicals are bad! In fact, some are the good kind of baddies. (You know, certified baddies!) 😎 In fact, the human body naturally produces free radicals to create energy (this is known as cell metabolism) and even to fight infections, as our very clever immune systems use free radicals to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.

You know how the body keeps the score? Well, the body also usually keeps free radical levels in check with its own antioxidant defenses. The trouble begins when the skin is exposed to too many external stressors, which can overload the body with free radicals. (The one party that no one wants to be invited to!) This overwhelms the skin’s natural defences, and that’s when the free radicals can damage collagen, elastin and skin cells – leading to premature aging, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and a weakened skin moisture barrier. Hmm. Something to think about…

The role of antioxidants in fighting free radicals

So, what can you do about free radical damage? Start by adding antioxidants – or ingredients rich in them – to your skincare routine. These help neutralise free radicals and minimise their impact on your skin.

Here are some common antioxidants in skincare that we love:

🍊 Vitamin C
🌰 Vitamin E
🧴 Niacinamide
💚 Kakadu Plum
🍎 Emu Apple
🍵 Green Tea extract

Many of these ingredients are super easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine – from cleansers and serums to face oils, moisturizers and body care. In fact, our Whipped Shower Foams are enriched with powerful antioxidant-rich ingredients like Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime, which help to brighten, protect the skin and fight free radical damage. (This excludes our Exfoliating Foams in Green Tea and Berry, which are instead packed with AHA goodness and Vitamin E!).

Everyday habits that help reduce free radical damage

There are plenty of ways to reduce the chance of free radical damage. Start here:

• Make sure you slap on your sunscreen every single day! 

• Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake

• Eat an antioxidant-rich diet (Berries, greens, nuts, seeds and lots more where that came from!)

• Put a plan in place to manage stress, and make sure you're getting the amount of sleep your body needs.

With all that in mind, well, there’s only one thing left to say.

Happy Sundae x

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Marketing Manager) | Linkedin