Free Radicals and Skin: How to Prevent Oxidative Stress
Free radicals and oxidative stress are often mentioned in skincare, but what do they actually mean—and why do they matter for your skin?
Free radicals are a natural by-product of the processes continually taking place within our bodies. However, certain environmental and lifestyle factors can increase their production, potentially overwhelming the skin’s natural defence systems.
Over time, this can contribute to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and a dull, dry or uneven complexion.
What triggers free radicals?
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally through processes such as cell metabolism and inflammation. Their production can also be increased by external factors, including:
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UV radiation
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Pollution
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Smoking
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Ionising radiation
Our bodies have their own internal antioxidant systems to help manage free radicals. However, our skin is exposed to environmental stressors day in and day out, which can place these natural defences under additional pressure.
How do free radicals affect the skin?
When there is an imbalance between free-radical production and the body’s ability to neutralise them, a process known as oxidative stress occurs.
Oxidative stress can damage cell membranes, proteins and DNA. It can also contribute to the breakdown of collagen—the structural protein that helps keep skin firm, smooth and resilient.
Ageing is an entirely natural process. However, accumulated oxidative stress can contribute to premature signs of skin ageing, including:
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Uneven pigmentation
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Loss of elasticity
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Dryness
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Dull or tired-looking skin
Oxidative stress can also promote inflammation, which may make existing sensitivity or other skin concerns more noticeable.
How can you protect your skin from free-radical damage?
We cannot avoid free radicals completely—and nor do we need to. Instead, the goal is to reduce unnecessary exposure and support the skin’s natural protective systems.
Protect your skin from UV radiation
UV exposure is one of the most significant environmental contributors to free-radical production and premature skin ageing.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and reapply throughout the day when required. Sunscreen should be supported by protective clothing, a hat and seeking shade whenever possible.
Include antioxidants in your skincare routine
Topically applied antioxidants help neutralise free radicals before they can cause further oxidative damage.
Beneficial skincare antioxidants include:
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Astaxanthin
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Lycopene
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L-carnosine
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Green tea extract
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Resveratrol
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Zinc
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Niacinamide
Many antioxidants provide benefits beyond free-radical protection. Depending on the ingredient and formulation, they may also help calm inflammation, support collagen, strengthen the skin barrier and address unwanted pigmentation.
It is one of the reasons we prefer combining multiple complementary antioxidants within a single formulation rather than relying on just one.
Cleanse thoroughly at night
Pollution and other environmental particles can accumulate on the skin throughout the day.
Cleansing at night helps remove these particles, along with sunscreen, makeup and excess oil. If you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, double cleansing can help remove each layer thoroughly without needing to scrub the skin.
Your first cleanse should dissolve makeup and sunscreen, while your second should gently cleanse the skin itself. Neither step should leave your skin feeling tight or stripped.
Avoid smoking
Cigarette smoke increases the skin’s exposure to free radicals and contributes to oxidative stress. Avoiding smoking is an important step for both your skin and overall health.
Can existing free-radical damage be repaired?
Prevention is always preferable, but skincare can also help support the skin after environmental damage has occurred.
Antioxidants help limit further oxidative stress, while ingredients such as DNA repair enzymes are designed to support the repair of certain types of existing DNA damage within skin cells.
DNA repair enzymes do not replace sunscreen or erase every effect of previous exposure. Instead, they can complement daily sun protection and antioxidant skincare as part of a more complete approach to long-term skin health.
Antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes: what is the difference?
Antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes perform different but complementary roles.
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Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals and defend against oxidative stress.
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DNA repair enzymes help address particular forms of DNA damage that have already occurred.
Combining prevention, protection and repair allows us to approach environmental skin damage from more than one direction.
The best skincare products for free-radical protection
Luminosity Revive & Refine Serum
Luminosity Revive & Refine Serum combines astaxanthin and antioxidant support with niacinamide, bakuchiol and gentle lactic acid.
It is designed to target pigmentation, dullness, fine lines and uneven texture while supporting brighter, smoother and more even-looking skin.
Dream Cream
Dream Cream combines DNA repair enzymes with antioxidant support from astaxanthin, green tea, resveratrol and liquorice root extract.
This all-in-one treatment cream helps target visible sun damage, uneven pigmentation, fine lines and congestion while supporting the skin barrier.
Radiance Reset Anti-Pollution Cleanser
Radiance Reset Anti-Pollution Cleanser helps lift makeup, sunscreen, pollution and daily buildup without stripping the skin.
Its antioxidant complex, niacinamide and gently exfoliating Lime Pearl help support the skin against environmental stress while leaving it feeling clean and comfortable.
Our bodies have very clever antioxidant systems of their own. But because our skin is exposed to UV radiation, pollution and other environmental stressors every day, well-formulated topical antioxidants can provide valuable additional support.
Protection from free radicals is not about one miracle ingredient. It comes from consistent sun protection, gentle cleansing and complementary antioxidants that help maintain healthy skin over time.
Frequently asked questions
What are free radicals in skincare?
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally within the body and in response to environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution and smoking. In excess, they can damage proteins, cell membranes and DNA within the skin.
What is oxidative stress in the skin?
Oxidative stress occurs when free-radical production exceeds the body’s ability to neutralise them. Over time, it can contribute to collagen breakdown, inflammation, pigmentation and premature signs of skin ageing.
Can free radicals cause wrinkles?
Free radicals can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and other important structures within the skin. Accumulated oxidative stress may therefore contribute to fine lines, wrinkles and reduced elasticity.
Do antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals?
Yes. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Examples used in skincare include astaxanthin, green tea, resveratrol, lycopene and niacinamide.
Can sunscreen protect against free radicals?
Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect the skin from UV radiation, which is a major trigger of free-radical production. Sunscreen should be applied every morning and used alongside other sun-protective measures.
Does cleansing remove pollution from the skin?
Cleansing at night helps remove pollution particles, sunscreen, makeup and other substances that accumulate on the skin during the day. Double cleansing can be useful when wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen.
Can DNA repair enzymes repair free-radical damage?
DNA repair enzymes are designed to support the repair of particular forms of DNA damage. They complement antioxidants and daily sunscreen but do not reverse all existing sun or environmental damage.