Cosmetic Surgery Center

When it comes to guarding the skin, we have sunscreen, an important weapon that can protect us from dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer. But even though sunscreen is essential, it’s simply not enough. Most of us typically apply less than one-quarter of the amount required to attain the specified SPF (sun protection factor). Moreover, sunscreen washes off, not only by swimming and sweating, but also by perspiring. However, we can find additional protection elsewhere.

Topical antioxidants can protect the skin from UV (ultraviolet) damage to slow photoaging, and they an also reverse photodamage. The skin naturally uses nutritional antioxidants to protect itself from photodamage. But the beneficial effects of these nutritional antioxidants are limited. This is not the case, however, with effectively formulated topical antioxidants.

Topical antioxidants can produce far higher concentrations in the skin than nutritional supplements, and once topical antioxidants are absorbed into the skin, they cannot be washed or rubbed off. Therefore, they protect the skin for several days, enhancing the power of sunscreens. Furthermore, applying topical antioxidants regularly can reverse previous photodamage.

Following is a list of topical antioxidants that provide benefits to the skin:

Vitamin C is our body’s major antioxidant and is absolutely vital for life. All animals make their own vitamin C, with the exception of humans, primates, guinea pigs, and the Indian fruit-eating bat. Exposure to sunlight, pollution, and cigarette smoke depletes the level of vitamin C in our skin. Topical application of it is the most effective way to significantly increase levels of vitamin C in our skin.

Vitamin E is our body’s most important membrane-bound antioxidants that is delivered to the outer layer of the skin by sebum. As the body’s outermost defense, the skin is the first to absorb sunlight and pollution. Vitamin E is depleted as it protects, so topical application of it is very important.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral in humans and animals and offers benefits by directly protecting against DNA damage, inhibiting neoplastic transformation, and suppressing mutations. Some studies have suggested that a higher blood concentration of selenium is associated with a reduced risk for several kinds of cancer.

Scientific research confirms that topical antioxidants can offer exciting new possibilities for protecting the skin from UV damage and to reverse photodamage. As we age, advances in skin care and skin repair become more and more important to us.

If you would like to learn more about skin care and how to repair damage to the skin, please contact Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your first appointment.