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Let's start with a refresher!
Q: What is a "Lipid"?
A: From a scientific stand point. lipids are fats that consist of long chains of carbon + hydrogen; and are very rich in energy.
In other words, their job is to form protective membranes around cells. This is a very important role. By doing so, lipids provide lubrication, assist in energy production, and help to regulate certain hormones.
You may also know them in a varying form like triglycerides, fatty acids, saturated lipids.
Q: How does "Lipid Oxidation" happen?
A:The oxidation process happens as a result of free radicals "stealing" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. This chain of reactions of is a direct cause of lipid degradation. An increase in free radicals without proper antioxidant solution allows for oxidative stress to impair the skin's natural functions in preventing disorders and diseases. These disorders can range in severity from mild, acute inflammation to the extreme; skin cancer.
Q: What is CoQ10
A: CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) is a large molecule antioxidant found naturally in the cells. It has powerful autoregenerative capabilities to neutralize free radicals. As you can see, this proves impactful in the prevention of Lipid Oxidation.
Cell membranes are susceptible to lipid oxidation. Amino acid are highly susceptible to free radical attack, as is DNA. Characteristics of the aging process like pigmentation, static and dynamic wrinkling are due to the breakdown of structural proteins and cellular mutation. This corresponds in lifestyles subjected to higher amounts of free radicals with little to no antioxidant intervention. This is key to understanding the intrinsic to extrinsic aging process. As well as educating clients on the exogenous sources of free radical exposure. This education will aid in delaying unwanted physical + physiological signs of aging.
Look out for these common lifestyle examples in your clients' chart: air pollutants, cigarette smoke, harsh chemicals, pesticides + UV radiation (specifically UVA due to its ability to generate more oxidative stress & penetration to deeper layers of the skin).
Take a look at a direct quote from an official publication of Brazilian Society of Dermatology, ABD.
"Thereby, obtaining formulation added with stable antioxidant, with adequate skin permeation, may cause protection against free radicals and may help grow old with an aesthetically better and healthier skin, resulting in a higher self-esteem and consequently better quality of life with over the years. In addition, the pharmaceutical, in particular dermatological area, has sought constantly antioxidants to be topically applied for the prevention and treatment of a variety of skin problems, especially those caused by UV radiation in short and long term, such as skin cancer. Natural antioxidants are promising in the prevention of skin cancer, as many have shown their anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic effects and low toxicity. Therefore, the use of antioxidants, orally or topically, may help endogenous systems of skin protection, and contribute to preventing problems in the long term."
-Taylor Benson, AKTIV VP of Sales + Education
REFERENCES
* Milday Standard Advanced Esthetics Book 2nd Edition pg. 315
*Guaratini T, Medeiros MHG, Colepicolo P. Antioxidantes na manutenção do equilíbrio redox cutâneo: uso e avalição de sua eficácia. Quim Nova. 2007;30:206–213.[Google Scholar]
*Abla MJ, Banga AK. Quantification of skin penetration of antioxidants of varying lipophilicity. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013;35:19–26. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
*Kojima S, Takai E, Tsukimoto M. ATP Released from Low-dose Gamma Ray- irradiated Cells Activates Intracellular Antioxidant Systems via Purine Receptors. Anti-aging Medicine. 2011;8:108–113.[Google Scholar]