What are antioxidants? How act on our skin? What are ceramics? These and many other questions are answered in this article, explaining in a clear and easily way some of the most important concepts in natural cosmetics.
Alpha (AHA)
These are substances that occur naturally in milk, sugar, apples and some other fruits. Vary in quantity and quality that we find in them.
These are substances that work at the stratum corneum of the skin
The A.H.A. is scrubs that can actually improve the quality of the skin, clean the skin to remove dead cells from the surface layer, leaving a soft and smooth. This stimulates the cells are renewed more quickly resulting in a younger skin. The skin appears more fresh and bright.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that have the ability to inhibit the oxidation caused by free radicals. Some operate at the intracellular and in the membrane of cells, always set to protect various organs and systems.
These are classified according to their work and its location. May be natural enzymes, antioxidants from dietary or pharmacological antioxidants.
In the intracellular environment we have natural antioxidants: catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The selenium contains glutathione and helps in preventing the formation of hydroxyl radical, also regenerates vitamin C, which in turn regenerates vitamin E.
In blood, plasma has natural antioxidants (proteins) and trasferrina, lactoferrin, and albumin ceruloplamina. These natural antioxidants are decreased in patients with diabetes.
Other antioxidants found in blood plasma or serum are bilirubin, uric acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, melatonin, flavonoids and estrogens. The minerals selenium and zinc also play an important role in the body as antioxidants.
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in plants such as fruits and vegetables that are excellent antioxidants. Commonly found in tea (especially green tea) and wine. In fruit that were harvested until they are mature large amount of flavonoids, carotenoids, lycopene, zantinas, nature and lutein, all with a powerful antioxidant action.
Ceramides
Imagine that the structure of the skin is a set of bricks and cement. The cells of the stratum corneum would be bricks and intercellular material that holds cells together would be the cement. As aging, skin cells lose their shape and the intercellular material loses consistency, distance between cells increases, the skin loses tone and firmness and lines that appear show the dryness of the skin.
The A.H.A. works to restore the skin a youthful appearance. However, only perform the restoration work. The ceramides act as molecular cement, reinforcing the new, smaller layers of cells, to remain united.
Ceramides strengthen moisture barrier and enhance its status. This barrier allows the stronger A.H.A. work more effectively.
Hyaluronic acid
Natural component of skin, it has a great capacity to retain water, which gives moisturizing qualities, smooth and firming. It also is used in its composition many creams.
Its concentration decreases with age. It is the regulator of intercellular space.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein found in the dermis, has the goal to be the layer supporting the skin. The space between collagen fibers contain a protein called elastin which helps the skin quickly returns to its original position after being stretched.
Also there is water between the collagen fibers which serves to lubricate the collagen network of support to keep it malleable.
Over time, collagen fibers become loose, elastin loses its elasticity and the water evaporates, and the wrinkles are accentuated. Any repeated facial movement contributes to this tension. The sun also affects the collagen, causing loss of moisture.
As we age our bones, muscles and adipose tissue gradually shrink, the skin is stretched, it loosens and with these changes are the bags and wrinkles. For these properties, collagen is used between the ingredients of creams, and injectable form to supplement the collagen of the skin.
These cosmetics are not usually recommended in the young.
When applying a moisture cream with collagen in the skin, it tends to stay there.
Concept of Anti-aging vitamins
Some studies indicate that the incorporation of AA vitamins help prevent the formation of wrinkles, promotes healing of skin, and reduces scar formation, making these products, key components in plastic surgery and the care and preliminary post-surgery. These vitamins help to defend skin against free radicals using teamwork: fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and E protect the cell membrane and its structure fotolípida, while water-soluble vitamins protect the interior of the cell and DNA.
Source: Cosmetic Harmony
