How exactly can oxidative stress speed skin ageing?
Wrinkles occur when skin loses its elasticity. The loss of elasticity is caused by extensive formation and accumulation of collagen cross-links. Collagen cross-linking is a result of a chemical process that starts with nonenzymatic attachment of glucose to a collagen molecule. When enzymes attach glucose to collagen, there is a reason for it and a purpose. Nonezymatic attachment, on the other hand, is random. Collagen cross linking in this case is uncontrollable and more often than not – unnecessary. Once cross-linking occurs, it is irreversible. By inhibiting enzyme production, free radicals lead to chaotic collagen cross linking. Metabolism, environmental toxins and pollution are the main reasons why free radicals exist. Metabolism is a part of life, sun and toxins are hard to escape. The only way to counteract free radical damage is to neutralize them as they appear. Antioxidants: (vitamins E, C, carotenes and flavonoids) are an easy target for free radicals. They catch free radical
