Free Radical Rescue

Stop the cycle of premature aging with glutathione

While it seems the term antioxidant is used to promote everything from vitamin supplements to dark chocolate, few people understand what makes this unique ingredient property so beneficial. As the body’s first line of defense against oxidation—a chemical response that can produce cell-damaging free radicals—antioxidants inhibit potentially destructive reactions before they have a chance to snowball out of control.

Internally, free radicals are believed to be linked to cancer, heart disease and a host of other life-threatening conditions. Externally, evidence suggests a strong link to premature aging, suggesting that oxidative damage plays a major role in the loss of skin firmness, smoothness and luminosity.

“The human body produces antioxidants naturally and acquires them through dietary sources,” says Bettylou McIntosh, medical esthetician and co-president of CosMedix. “However, environmental factors and lifestyle choices greatly increase free radical production and can quickly use up the body’s natural levels of antioxidants.”

When environmental threats (i.e. UV rays and pollution) and lifestyle choices (i.e. smoking, excessive drinking and poor diet) overwhelm the body with free radicals and exhaust its antioxidant reserves, it often leads to a condition known as oxidative stress.

“When the body reaches high levels of oxidative stress, cell damage—and even cell death—can result,” McIntosh explains. For the skin, this type of cell abuse translates to premature aging, causing areas of damaged cells to appear thin, flaccid or dull.

“To keep the body from reaching oxidative stress levels, many skin care products allegedly have antioxidant properties that constantly rebuild the body’s antioxidant supply,” McIntosh says. “However, this saturation approach isn’t enough to eliminate the oxidative threat. The type—not the quantity—of antioxidant is what truly makes a difference.”

Like most body systems, the antioxidant system is made up of a collection of interacting parts. While there is a myriad of antioxidants operating in the body at any given time, it is up to the antioxidant known as glutathione to facilitate the anti-oxidative process.

Glutathione is a tripeptide that is produced in the liver and consumed in leafy greens such as spinach and purslane. A key antioxidant, glutathione works in conjunction with other antioxidants to effectively rid the body of excess free radicals.

“It works like this: In the process of neutralizing a free radical molecule, an antioxidant molecule gives up an electron and becomes oxidized itself. It is then up to glutathione to regenerate the newly oxidized molecule so it can continue functioning as an antioxidant and not become a free radical,” McIntosh explains. While the body produces its own share of this potent substance, daily exposure to both natural and manmade oxidative threats puts increasing strain on its natural supply.

An excellent way to replenish the body’s stores of this key antioxidant is by either taking it as a supplement with other complementary ingredients or allowing the skin to absorb its benefits topically. By maintaining a healthy supply of glutathione in the body, the threat of oxidative stress and free radical damage is greatly diminished, creating a healthier internal environment and keeping skin from aging before its time.

L-glutathione

Glutathione plays a key role in keeping your skin safe from the damaging effects of free radicals. By means of chiral correction, CosMedix has rendered this essential ingredient even more effective. Chirally correct L-glutathione can be found in many CosMedix products.

Benefit Balance | ANTIOXIDANT PREP
A powerful antioxidant and environmental protection solution, Benefit Balance boosts the skin’s free radical defenses to prevent the signs of premature aging. Suitable for all skin types, this preventive formula refreshes and tones the skin, while chirally correct L-glutathione mops up excess free radicals to keep it safe, healthy and radiant.

Radiance | AGE MANAGEMENT SERUM
Containing a unique blend of collagen stimulators and supportive remodeling ingredients, this nourishing repair serum is the ideal choice for mature and/or damaged skin. Fortified with L-glutathione, Radiance offers superior protection against free radicals and aging, while stimulating collagen and elastin production to restore the skin’s youthful glow.

Neutralize | SKIN & BODY ANTIOXIDANT
Since glutathione is not readily absorbed alone in the stomach, this innovative antioxidant lozenge allows the body, mouth and skin to reap its rewards by way of oral absorption. In conjunction with several other potent antioxidants, Neutralize works to reduce dermal free radical damage, protect the gums and oral mucosa and speed the healing of canker sores/oral herpes.