Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a state of disturbed balance between the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly referred to as free radicals, and the body's ability to neutralize them using antioxidant mechanisms. Under physiological conditions, free radicals perform important biological functions – they participate in the immune response, cell signaling processes, and tissue regeneration. The problem arises when their production becomes excessive or the body's defense systems lose their efficiency. Chronic oxidative stress leads to damage of lipids, proteins, DNA, and cellular structures, contributing to accelerated aging of the body and the development of many chronic diseases, including dermatological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Oxidative stress – what is it?

Oxidative stress is one of the key biological mechanisms associated with the aging of the body. It occurs when the amount of free radicals exceeds the capacity for their neutralization by antioxidants, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, or antioxidant vitamins.

Reactive oxygen species are formed naturally during metabolic processes occurring mainly in the mitochondria. The body of a healthy person has an extensive protective system that allows their levels to be kept under control. The problem begins in a situation of chronic cellular overload by the action of damaging factors.

The most important consequences of oxidative stress include:

damage to cell membranes,
degradation of collagen and elastin fibers,
mutations of genetic material,
chronic inflammation,
accelerated tissue aging,
cellular regeneration disorders.

Modern medicine recognizes oxidative stress as one of the main factors responsible for the skin aging process and the development of lifestyle diseases. It plays a particularly important role in aesthetic dermatology, as it directly affects skin quality, firmness, tone, and the capacity for renewal.

Oxidative stress – where do free radicals come from?

Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron, which makes them exhibit very high chemical reactivity. Seeking to regain stability, they damage neighboring cellular structures through the process of oxidation.

Sources of free radicals can be divided into internal and external.

Endogenous sources of free radicals

They are formed naturally in the body during:

cellular respiration,
metabolic processes,
immune system activity,
intense physical exertion,
chronic inflammation.

Exogenous sources of free radicals

Environmental factors that intensify the production of ROS are of much greater clinical significance. These include:

UV radiation,
air pollution,
tobacco smoke,
chronic psychological stress,
improper diet,
alcohol,
sleep deficiency,
ionizing radiation,
environmental toxins,
chronic infections.

Ultraviolet radiation has a particularly destructive effect on the skin. UVA rays penetrate into the deep layers of the dermis, inducing the mass formation of free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin. This process is referred to as photoaging.

In aesthetic dermatology, increasing attention is also being paid to the impact of smog and PM2.5 particulate matter on the skin. Environmental pollutants lead to chronic micro-inflammation and increased oxidative stress in skin cells.

Oxidative stress – impact on the skin

The skin is among the organs most exposed to the action of free radicals because it remains in direct contact with the external environment. Excess ROS leads to damage of fibroblasts – the cells responsible for the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

As a result, characteristic signs of aging appear:

loss of firmness,
wrinkles,
skin laxity,
sallow skin tone,
discoloration,
dilated vessels,
dehydration,
increased susceptibility to inflammation.

Oxidative stress also plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many dermatological diseases, such as:

Disease	Significance of oxidative stress
Acne	intensification of inflammation and sebum oxidation
Rosacea	vessel damage and chronic inflammation
Atopic dermatitis	weakening of the hydrolipid barrier
Psoriasis	accelerated cell proliferation and inflammation
Melasma	induction of discoloration by UV and ROS

Chronic oxidative stress also contributes to the degradation of mitochondrial DNA in skin cells, which limits their regenerative capacity. In clinical practice, slower healing, increased skin reactivity, and reduced effectiveness of repair processes are then observed.

Oxidative stress – symptoms of excess

Symptoms of oxidative stress can be non-specific and develop gradually. The body compensates for damage for a long time, which is why the first symptoms are often downplayed.

The most common symptoms include:

Systemic symptoms

chronic fatigue,
decrease in physical performance,
concentration disorders,
headaches,
deterioration of sleep quality,
greater susceptibility to infections,
slower recovery.

Skin symptoms

accelerated skin aging,
loss of radiance,
gray or uneven skin tone,
excessive dryness,
increased sensitivity,
tendency to discoloration,
intensified inflammation,
loss of firmness.

High levels of oxidative stress can also affect the condition of hair and nails. In such cases, the following are observed:

increased hair loss,
weakening of hair follicles,
brittle nails,
slowed hair growth.

Laboratory diagnostics use measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-OHdG, or the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the body.

Oxidative stress – how to reduce it?

Reducing oxidative stress requires a multi-directional approach. Key importance lies in reducing exposure to factors that increase the formation of free radicals and supporting the body's natural antioxidant mechanisms.

Antioxidant diet

Of the greatest importance are products rich in:

polyphenols,
flavonoids,
carotenoids,
vitamin C,
vitamin E,
coenzyme Q10,
selenium,
zinc.

A particularly beneficial effect is shown by:

leafy vegetables,
berries,
pomegranates,
green tea,
olive oil,
fatty sea fish,
cocoa with high polyphenol content.

Photoprotection

Regular use of SPF filters is one of the most important methods of reducing oxidative skin stress. UV radiation is responsible for a significant part of photoaging processes.

Lifestyle

Also of significant importance are:

adequate amount of sleep,
moderate-intensity physical activity,
reduction of chronic stress,
avoiding tobacco smoking,
limiting alcohol,
proper body regeneration.

Treatments supporting the reduction of oxidative skin stress

In aesthetic dermatology, procedures are used to improve cellular regeneration and support the repair of skin damaged by free radicals. The most commonly used include:

needle mesotherapy with antioxidants,
biostimulating treatments,
platelet-rich plasma therapy,
fractional laser therapy,
medical peels,
oxygen infusion,
therapies stimulating collagen production.

In the Ambasada Urody offer, revitalizing and biostimulating treatments, as well as procedures aimed at restoring the hydrolipid barrier and improving the function of fibroblasts, are of particular importance in the therapy of skin burdened by oxidative stress.