One of the keys to taking care of the skin and delaying aging is in the use of a good sunscreen that protects us from the harmful effects of the sun. Now a study from the University of Bath (UK) has found that adding antioxidants against iron in this product and in anti-aging creams could increase their effectiveness.
To better understand it, it is important to know that the sunscreens that are sold block or absorb the sun’s UV rays, thus reducing the amount of free radicals – unstable molecules that are harmful and accelerate aging – that are created in the skin, a process that It is known as oxidative stress. However, the role of iron in aging is not taken into account in its formulation.
Current research, published in the journal Antioxidant, has indicated that what is missing from current sunscreens and anti-aging creams is a class of antioxidant molecule that prevents excess iron from entering skin cells, which it maintains stable and healthy levels of free radicals, preventing dermatological damage.
Retain iron with natural extracts
And it is that, for a long time it has been known that the accumulation of iron could promote aging, for this reason, in this study we wanted to specifically analyze the interaction between iron and free radicals in the skin. Now they have been able to demonstrate that the antioxidant compounds studied can protect the skin from aging due to age and that produced by the action of the sun.
Based on the results, the authors urge that the manufacturers of these cosmetics consider including extracts that retain iron to offer a better product. Among these natural extracts that are capable of trapping iron are those of certain vegetables, dried fruits such as nuts, fruits, barks, seeds and flowers, as well as some botanical, marine and fungal compounds.
The antioxidant compounds studied protect the skin from aging due to age and that produced by the action of the sun.
Although good results have been obtained in the laboratory, Dr. Charareh Pourzand, director of the research, has stated that more research must be done on these compounds before they are suitable for commercialization. And it is that, “although the antioxidants that we have identified work well in laboratory conditions, they do not necessarily remain stable once they are added to a cream. These extracts come from plants, and environmental factors affect their long-term stability and effectiveness: anything from the season they’re grown, soil type, latitude, and time of harvest can change strength with age. they can neutralize free radicals as well as work as iron traps,” explains Dr. Pourzand.
Do not think that iron is an enemy, because the body needs it to function properly. However, too much or too little can be dangerous and even deadly for cells. To avoid this, our cells have a system capable of adjusting the excess iron when it accumulates, causing it to balance – what is known as homeostasis. However, sunlight causes this balance to be altered, causing skin damage, such as aging and even cancer.
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