What is the chemical name of witch hazel?
Hamamelis virginiana L. – common witch-hazel or American witch-hazel.
What does witch hazel do?
Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.
What does oxidation do to the skin?
How does oxidative stress affect the skin? A prolonged state of oxidative stress speeds up the skin aging process. Specifically, it contributes to the loss of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in fine wrinkles, sagging, and texture changes. It can also trigger dark spots and other discoloration.
Does free radicals turn the oils in your skin rancid?
The most common type of oxidation is the lipid, which can occur in oils and fats. Therefore, oils and fats, using catalysts, are transformed into free radicals, which by action of O2 are transformed into peroxides, hydroperoxides, generating breakdown products (rancidity).
What is witch hazel used for medically?
Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling (inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations.
Is witch hazel good for aging skin?
In addition to its antioxidant properties, which help prevent premature aging, witch hazel has been shown to inhibit elastase, an enzyme that breaks down protein in the skin.
Why is oxidation important in the human body?
Oxidation can damage vital molecules in our cells, including DNA and proteins, which are responsible for many body processes. Molecules such as DNA are needed for cells to function properly, so if too many are damaged, the cell can malfunction or die. This is why antioxidants are important.
What is oxidation process in the body?
Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place in your body. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. When functioning properly, free radicals can help fight off pathogens. Pathogens lead to infections.
Do free radicals cause wrinkles?
Free radicals are responsible for breaking down our skin’s collagen, resulting in unflattering skin blemishes like wrinkling, dark spots, fine lines and loose, saggy skin.
What are negative effects of witch hazel?
In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large doses might cause liver problems. Witch hazel contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be of concern. Children: Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when applied directly to the skin.
How is oxidation related to the health of a patient?
Oxidation is a normal process that happens in the body. It can help fight pathogens, hence reduces the risk of infections. Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can have negative effects on the body.
Where does oxidation occur in the body?
Oxidation of fatty acids occurs in multiple regions of the cell within the human body; the mitochondria, in which only Beta-oxidation occurs; the peroxisome, where alpha- and beta-oxidation occur; and omega-oxidation, which occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum.
What is biological oxidation?
Biological oxidation is the combination of oxidation-reduction transformations of substances in living organisms. Oxidation-reduction reactions are those which take place with a change in the oxidation state of atoms through the redistribution of electrons between them.
How do I reduce free radicals in my skin?
A healthy, balanced diet rich in anti-oxidants with help to fight free radicals. Green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans & pulses, nuts and oily fish are known to be particularly high in anti-oxidants. Stop smoking, try to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink and be sure to drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.