(page 2 of 3) View Entire Story

Internally, it creates inflammation, which can lead to heart, lung, and gastrointestinal diseases and some cancers, says Diane Berson, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, in New York City.

What You Can Do
"If a cell is damaged by free radicals, it wants to repair itself and will if it's stimulated," says Chapas. 

Kick-start the process by working antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, into your skin-care routine and diet. The best antioxidant-rich ingredients in skin-care treatments include idebenone; coenzyme Q10; kinetin; botanicals such as green tea, soy, and coffeeberry; and vitamins C and E. Vitamin E especially has been shown to penetrate deep into the skin, where damage happens. Apply an antioxidant-rich face lotion with SPF in the morning, consider using a spray with free radical-fighting properties in the afternoon, and wear a cream containing one of the above ingredients at night.

Previous | Next Page