Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a crucial role in cell health by combating the harmful effects of free radicals. This article provides an exploration of the benefits of SOD on skin health and its role as a potent anti-aging ingredient.
What is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)?
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme present in all living cells. As an antioxidant, it plays a critical role in neutralizing harmful oxygen molecules in cells. SOD breaks down these potentially damaging oxygen molecules, preventing tissue damage. The enzyme remains intact during the neutralization process, allowing it to continue protecting the cells.
The Role of SOD in Protecting Skin Cells
SOD acts as a body’s smart antioxidant enzyme, defending cells from the damaging effects of superoxide radicals, a very common type of free radical. These superoxide radicals can cause extensive cell damage if left unchecked. However, SOD catalyzes their conversion into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, thereby neutralizing their harmful effects.
SOD vs Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants
Unlike non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin E, SOD isn’t used up during the neutralization process. This characteristic makes it a more effective antioxidant. In-vitro tests showed that SOD is more effective than Vitamin E, green tea extract, and MAP, making it a super antioxidant ingredient in skincare products.
The Efficacy of SOD
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of SOD in topical skincare. One in-vivo study measured how SOD can reduce redness caused by UV rays and found that it was more efficient than vitamin E and ascorbyl palmitate. Using skincare products that include SOD is a great way to provide extra environmental damage protection for your skin.
SOD Mimetics: Taking Antioxidant Power to the Next Level
A new development in the world of antioxidants is the creation of SOD mimetics. That is, substances that mimic the activity of SOD or that provide similar benefits. One such mimetic, RM191A, exhibits a 10-fold higher superoxide quenching activity compared to SOD itself. It also displays significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities.
The Role of SOD in Skin Aging
As we age, our skin becomes thin and loses collagen. SOD, particularly the extracellular variant EC-SOD, plays a significant role in maintaining skin thickness and promoting collagen production. Studies on EC-SOD-overexpressing transgenic mice showed that these mice had a significant increase in skin thickness and collagen production with aging compared to wild-type mice.
SOD in Skincare Products
SOD is found in numerous skincare products due to its potent antioxidant properties. These products can help combat photoaging, even out the skin complexion, and leave the skin looking healthy and radiant.
Safety and Side Effects of SOD
When taken orally, SOD is considered safe for use for up to six months. However, due to limited research, there’s limited information regarding the safety of SOD when applied topically. However, the EWG currently lists SOD as a one (1) indicating little to no risk. Some SOD products come from animal sources, prompting concerns that products derived from sick or diseased animals could pose health risks. Though, there have been no reported instances of people falling ill from using animal-derived SOD products.
Sourcing of SOD from Plants
Some skincare companies source their SOD from organic sources. For instance, organic SOD is derived from pesticide-free cantaloupe melons through a gentle manufacturing process that avoids solvents and unnecessary chemical additives. The result is a pure, highly concentrated extract rich in SOD. Or SOD used in skincare can be obtained from natural yeast or from the fermentation of plant-based raw materials.
Enhancing Your Skincare Routine with SOD
With age, our production of SOD significantly declines, and free radical formation increases. Incorporating SOD into your skincare routine can help maintain and promote a healthy complexion while counteracting the visible signs of aging. It can promote a youthful complexion, fight hyperpigmentation, and support a strong skin immune system.
In conclusion, SOD is a potent antioxidant that can protect and rejuvenate your skin. It’s generally considered safe, though more in-depth studies would be beneficial. Notwithstanding, here are Reviva, we’re fans of this potent skin-identical antioxidant – and we think you’ll like it too. It’s easy to add to your skincare routine. And it can certainly help to maintain a youthful complexion and combat the visible signs of aging.
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