Free radicals are basically atoms with unpaired electrons. According to the free radical theory, free radicals damage cells in an organism, causing a general deterioration of organs in the body, leading to a reduced ability to cope with biological changes. This can also be classified as ageing.

The nucleus of an atom is surrounded by electrons that occur in pairs on a shell. Occasionally, an atom loses an electron, leaving the atom with an unpaired electron. The atom is then called a "free radical” and is very reactive because these atoms will react with other atoms and either ‘steal’ or ‘share’ their electrons in order to achieve a stable pair themselves.

When cells in our body come in contact with a radical, the resulting reaction may cause destruction in the cell. According to the free radical theory of ageing, cells continuously produce free radicals which eventually kill the cell. When radicals kill or damage enough cells in an organism, the organism ‘ages’.

Antioxidants are the most potent defense mechanism the body has to battle these free radicals. When the amount of antioxidants in the body is insufficient to fight these free radicals, these very reactive molecules easily react with important molecules in the body, such as DNA, sometimes causing mutations. The accumulation of these mutations or changes is thought to be the cause of ageing and degenerative diseases such as Arthritis, Atherosclerosis, etc.

Exogenous (external) sources of free radicals include air pollution. This is why people who live in congested, metropolitan areas often have very dull and dry skin. Cigarette smoke is also a major contributor of free radicals. Excessive sun/ultra violet exposure is also a contributor of free radicals, specifically of the singlet oxygen type.

In this industrial day and age, it is absolutely essential that we invest in good products that help us fight the damaging effects of free-radicals in the atmosphere, especially for those who live in the congested, polluted City and Metropolitan areas.

Our products contain some of the most potent anti-oxidants such as:

Our Anti-Radical range is very popular as it works specifically on free-radicals, therefore helping the body fight and reduce the signs of ageing :

• The Anti Radical Scrub
• The Anti Radical Scrub with Pumpkin Enzyme
• The Anti-Radical Toner
• The Anti Radical Concentrate with Spin Traps
• The Anti Radical Rejuvenation Eye Crème
• Antioxidant Sunblock
• Antioxidant Sunshade + Vitamin C
• Antioxidant Sunshade + Tint

Antioxidants can also be found in other non anti-radical specific products such as our Hydrolane with Hyaluronic Acid, Erase-A-Line, Phyto-Pumpkin Moisturizer and our Enzyme Peels.