A Skin That Radiates Light
Dermatologist Andrea Combalia tells us how to combat cellular oxidation and achieve revitalized skin with a brighter outcome.
Cellular oxidation causes a dull tone and a lack of luminosity and brightness on the face. Fortunately, Sensilis' new line is a multivitamin cocktail that revitalizes the skin.
Ninety percent of premature aging is caused by cellular oxidation. "Also known as oxidative damage, it is a process that alters cellular structure (including DNA, proteins, and lipids) and appears as a result of exposure to external factors such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, environmental pollution, and stress, which contribute to the generation of free radicals that produce cellular damage that accelerates aging," explains dermatologist Andrea Combalia. The result is duller skin with a lack of luminosity and brightness. We talked to the expert about how to combat this skin condition and achieve revitalized skin.
How can the effects of cellular oxidation be reduced?
It is important to adopt a comprehensive care approach and minimize exposure to all those external factors that can prematurely damage our skin (pollution, tobacco, alcohol, stress, excessive ultraviolet radiation, free sugars, processed foods...), as well as include repairing and protective agents that help minimize cellular damage, such as antioxidants like vitamin C, a balanced diet, daily sun protection, and correct hygiene and hydration.
There is much talk about autophagy associated with intermittent fasting. How does this relate to skin?
It is a natural regeneration mechanism that occurs in our body at the cellular level and contributes to the degradation of damaged cellular components. It is a kind of "cellular cleaning" that, at the skin level, eliminates "aged cells" and components damaged by oxidative stress. When it fails or is compromised, cellular damage accumulates, the effects of oxidative stress increase, and consequently, cellular aging increases. It is crucial that cosmetics research this process to develop agents that allow maintaining an adequate cellular balance while promoting proper skin regeneration.
Is it possible to illuminate the skin, combat aging, and hydrate at the same time?
Today it is possible to find formulations that provide luminosity and hydration to the skin while reducing and slowing down cellular aging. Combining antioxidants like vitamin C with other agents like provitamin B5 (panthenol), which contributes to cellular regeneration, improving the skin barrier and elasticity, or low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that hydrates and regenerates to achieve the glow effect. There is also folic acid (vitamin B9), which is very important for the maintenance of our cells, and its topical use is very innovative.
How can this triple feat be achieved in sensitive skin?
Fortunately, sensitive skins can now also benefit from an antioxidant and regenerative effect. The key is to find a formula with high tolerance that is rich in moisturizing, antioxidant, and regenerative ingredients, tested and specially designed for sensitive skin. Combining low molecular weight hyaluronic acid with an effective but formulated vitamin C in such a way that minimizes its irritating effect (for example, in the form of ethyl ascorbic acid), with vitamins B5 and B9, soothing agents (such as dipotassium glycyrrhizinate), and plant extracts rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the same product is a winning cocktail for sensitive skin.
Article published in Woman together with Andrea Combalia @pielsanaincorporesano. Dermatologist at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and author of the book "Piel sana in corpore sano" - October 2023
