Love Yourself, Dang It!

I feel like the buzz word for the last ten years has been antioxidant. We all use the word or are slightly seduced by it (who has bought a skin product because the label said “antioxidant”?) but do we understand what an antioxidant does? Most of us know that antioxidants fight free radicals but who can explain what those are??Honestly, I sometimes have to remind myself to scorn the free radical since one of my favorite words (free) is part of the term.

Free radicals are the “single most detrimental aging agent” (Ciminelli 23).

Let’s give credit where credit is due, in the 1950’s Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., proposed the free radical theory. We need oxygen to live and our cells use this oxygen to produce energy. Out of this process we get free radicals. Remember 10th grade chemistry when we learned that molecules are made of atoms and atoms have protons, electrons and neutrons? Well, a free radical is a molecule lacking the electron and basically, attacking and taking electrons from nearby molecules and in the process, weakening the cell structure and ultimately killing the cell and the genetic materials inside this molecule. Wrinkling, sagging, drooping jowls, loss of tone, uneven texture…basically, all those unsightly effects of getting a bit older are results of cellular and molecular damage by our friend Free Rad.

Although , some free radicals are a part of life : breathing air, sun, environmental pollution. Other free radical damage is completely due to our own lifestyle: the food we eat --- sugars, processed food – stress, and smoking.

“…what you eat plays a more important role than what you put on your skin” (Organic Spa Magazine, July 2010).

And then there are antioxidants…anti (against), oxidants (oxidation) – basically antioxidants are your friends in the fight against free radicals and aging. Antioxidants provide the free radicals missing electron and help to stop the free radicals destructive behavior which leaves you with supple, young-looking skin.

So what can you do to ensure you are getting more antioxidants into your body?
Love yourself, dang it!
Seriously, DON'T SMOKE (come on, give it up…even if you are a “social smoker,” I used to be one of those too and really, it is still just as disgusting as if you were buying your own pack – plus, this world already forces you to take in so many toxins why do it voluntarily?)
WEAR SUNSCREEN --- ingredients zinc and Mexoryl offer the greatest UVA protection.
EAT RIGHT! How simple can this be – don’t eat the stuff that is making you fat and feel nasty (chips, soda, processed foods). Instead stick to those luscious fruits, vegetables, grains, and goodness that always make you feel a bit better about yourself. Foods with vitamin C (such as but not limited to citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and tomatoes) reduce free radical damage and strengthen capillaries to keep them from breaking.
THINK POSITIVELY – take this moment and send out a good vibe to someone you don’t like. I know, it is hard but do it…or at least tell yourself something awesome about you.

THE SUM UP TO KEEP YOU LOOKING SMOKING HOT!
Think good thoughts, wear a smile, eat right, don’t mess up your body by willingly ingesting pollutants, and of course get some deep breathing into your day. Whether you are running, doing yoga, having sex, or prank calling your ex (think positive when you do that last one), take long deep, even breaths to help calm your mind, reduce stress and overall, leave you looking good and feeling refreshed.

SOURCES:
Ciminelli, Susan. The Ciminelli Solution: A 7-Day Plan For Radiant Skin. HarperCollins Publishers, New York: 2006.
Perricone, Nicholas, M.D. 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation. Ballantine Books, New York: 2006.
Perricone, Nicholas, M.D. The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin. Rodale Books, 2000.