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Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting our skin from environmental damage and premature skin aging. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its thousands of years of history and experience, offers a rich reservoir of antioxidant herbs that will help maintain healthy, glowing skin.
In this article, the Nuence-mtc team explains the phenomenon of oxidative stress, the factors that contribute to it and how antioxidants protect the body's cells by fighting against this process.
We will focus on the antioxidant properties of pharmacopoeia plants that are highlighted in Nuence-mtc treatments as well as on the adoption of a holistic well-being routine to maintain healthy skin.
Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable oxygen molecules. They are naturally occurring by-products of cellular metabolism.
When there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, they begin to damage proteins, DNA and cell membranes in a process called oxidative stress .
By breaking down collagen and elastin, proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity, free radicals accelerate premature skin aging: visible signs of aging can begin to appear, such as fine lines and wrinkles , and skin appears dull and tired before its time.
According to the WHO, sun exposure promotes skin aging. This is a progressive process, which is irreversible. The skin gradually loses its elasticity, which usually results in the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and bags.
Air pollution : Air pollutants such as fine particles and volatile organic compounds can penetrate the skin and cause chronic inflammation. These pollutants cause collagen breakdown, damaging skin cells. Skin tone can become dull and pores clogged, leading to breakouts or exacerbating existing skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Chronic stress releases cortisol into the body, which leads to an inflammatory response. This mechanism contributes to premature aging of the skin. The effects of chronic stress decrease the body's stores of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins, which leads to premature aging of the skin.
Tobacco : Smoking is bad for your health in general, but in addition, smoking damages collagen, which leads to a loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin and an increase in the appearance of wrinkles.
Diet : Our dietary choices (food and drink) will impact the production of free radicals in the body. Cooked meats or cold cuts, fried foods and alcohol are the triggers of free radicals.
Conversely, consuming foods rich in antioxidants (colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, oily fish, spices, dark chocolate, red wine, etc.) will have a beneficial effect. A diet rich in vitamin C , essential for the production of collagen, vitamin E , selenium, lycopene and zinc (all antioxidants) will help fight oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by trapping or giving them an electron, which will stabilize them.
Chinese herbal medicine (TCM) contains a variety of powerful antioxidant molecules. Here are some examples:
This routine should include a healthy, varied diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Reduce your stress by practicing meditation or conscious breathing and by prioritizing quality sleep.
In summary, Chinese herbal medicine plants offer a rich and natural source of antioxidants that help protect the skin against oxidative stress and premature aging. Incorporating these plants into your daily skincare routine and diet will, in combination with other good wellness practices (moving, exercising, sleeping well), help preserve the health capital of your skin.
