{"id":2613,"date":"2026-07-17T07:18:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T07:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skinclinic.es\/blog\/?p=2613"},"modified":"2026-07-17T07:56:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T07:56:34","slug":"free-radicals-in-the-skin-what-are-they-why-do-they-accelerate-skin-ageing-and-how-can-you-protect-your-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skinclinic.es\/blog\/en\/free-radicals-in-the-skin-what-are-they-why-do-they-accelerate-skin-ageing-and-how-can-you-protect-your-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"Free radicals in the skin: what are they, why do they accelerate skin ageing and how can you protect your skin?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You’ve probably heard of free radicals<\/strong>. In recent years, they have become one of the most frequently discussed topics when talking about skin ageing<\/strong>. But what exactly are they, and why can they have such a significant impact on your skin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although they are often associated solely with cellular damage<\/strong>, free radicals are actually a natural by-product of the body’s normal metabolic processes. The problem begins when their production exceeds the skin’s natural antioxidant defence system<\/strong>, leading to a condition known as oxidative stress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Even though we cannot see them, free radicals are constantly acting on the skin<\/strong>. Daily exposure to UV radiation<\/strong>, environmental pollution and even everyday stress can promote their accumulation, accelerating premature skin ageing<\/strong> long before the first wrinkles appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news?<\/strong> The skin has its own natural defence mechanisms, and today we know that a routine combining antioxidants<\/strong> with daily sun protection<\/strong> can significantly reduce oxidative damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll explain what free radicals are<\/strong>, how they affect the skin<\/strong>, and what you can do to protect it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Contents\n <\/h2>\n\n
    \n\n
  1. \n \n What are free radicals?\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n
  2. \n \n Why are they produced?\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n
  3. \n \n What is oxidative stress?\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n
  4. \n \n How does oxidative stress affect the skin?\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n
  5. \n \n How to prevent oxidative damage to the skin\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n
  6. \n \n The role of antioxidants\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n
  7. \n \n Ferulast and AGE+: an inside-out antioxidant approach\n <\/a>\n <\/li>\n\n <\/ol>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

    What are free radicals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Free radicals<\/strong> are unstable molecules<\/strong> that, in an attempt to regain stability, steal electrons<\/strong> from other molecules. This process triggers a chain reaction known as oxidation<\/strong>, which can progressively damage cells and tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The production of free radicals is a natural part of the body’s normal metabolism<\/strong>. However, when they are generated in excess and the skin’s antioxidant defenses<\/strong> are unable to neutralize them, oxidative stress<\/strong> occurs. This imbalance is one of the main factors responsible for premature skin aging<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why are they produced?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to the body’s natural metabolic processes, a number of external factors<\/strong> can significantly increase the production of free radicals. The most important include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n