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I live in New York City, so theres NO way I can avoid pollution.Does not inspire confidence.
Jovana Rikalo / Stocksy
That said, Im also aware that lots of people dont even know what free radicals are.
Get the full science lesson ahead.
Yes, pollution particles exist and there is nothing you could do to avoid them.
Pollution is generated by a lot of machinery and some of the chemicals that are applied to farmlands.
Its pretty hard to escape unless you live in an isolated area in a small little cabin.
Read: pollution is everywhere.
First, a quick note about how pollution and free radicals are linked.
Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of pollution has been growing in the atmosphere.
By stealing electrons from your bodys cells, free radicals can accelerate the aging process.
If you disrupt any of these pathways, its like putting a monkey wrench in a factory.
Free radicals are one of the many things that can cause these disruptions.
But there is good news.
Your body has natural defenses against pollution.
Your body is also naturally prepared to take on pollution withantioxidants that you get from your diet.
it’s possible for you to alsoadd antioxidants to your beauty routineto prevent damage from environmental stressors.
Cleansing, exfoliating, and applying antioxidants to your skin can fight free radical damage.
Pollution is bad and all, but the sun is still your biggest worry.
“Eighty percent of free-radical formation is from UV radiation, says Dr. Kim.
I would never say put on this antioxidant serum in place of sunscreen.
I would say layer it underneath a sunscreen or use a sunscreen that already has antioxidants built in.
Unlike sun damage where you get a tan, there’s no immediate sign you’ve encountered environmental pollution.
However the effects on your skin could appear later in life.
Bottom line: better safe than sorry.
Your mom was right, you gotta eat your fruits and vegetablesfor their antioxidant power, of course.
