Description
An Antioxidant and More
Along with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, ellagic acid helps to protect the skin from cellular damage caused by sun and chemical exposure, both of which lead to a proliferation of free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These free radicals cause a breakdown in the production of collagen, one of the essential supporting proteins that give skin elasticity and flexibility. Without adequate collagen production, skin begins to sag and fine lines and wrinkles make an appearance.
Antioxidants such as ellagic acid inhibit this process, destroying free radicals and thus allowing collagen production to go on unimpeded. But ellagic acid is no ordinary antioxidant. It also has the ability to directly inhibit certain known carcinogens, such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, from binding to DNA. This further protects skin on a cellular level against the ravages of UV radiation.
