Once this begins, a chain reaction occurs, resulting in thousands of additional free radicals being formed. Free radicals are created by countless different sources, including inflammatory reactions, environmental pollutants in the air we breathe, and the tobacco we smoke or inhale from others who smoke. Artificial UV radiation and radiation from sunlight evoke cutaneous free radical reactions. Chronic exposure to UV radiation leads to early signs of aging of the skin referred to as photo-aging and increases the risks of developing basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Malignant melanomas are also associated with intense sun exposure, particularly during childhood.
Free radicals are the culprits.
Antioxidants constantly battle to neutralize free radicals to less toxic or non-toxic compounds. While the human body has built-in antioxidant mechanisms to suppress uncontrolled free radicals that may lead to cellular damage, these mechanisms may fail due to an overwhelming production of free radicals, the depletion of compounds used in the body's antioxidant defense system, or a combination of the two. Antioxidants repair the damage that results in the loss of elasticity, which leads to visible wrinkling and premature aging. The body's prime antioxidant is L-glutathione. Glutathione, the body's unsung hero, is truly a remarkable molecule.