Alpha lipoic acid is one of the strongest antioxidants available. antioxidants protect against free radicals, which are a primary cause of premature aging of the skin. The terms "antioxidant" and "free radical" are heard a lot these days, but many people don't really understand what they mean. Here's how alpha lipoic acid works to maintain the youthful appearance of your skin.

Oxidation is the process by which cells transform food into energy. Obviously, this is a necessary process, but on the cellular level, it can result in the loss of an atom, molecule or ion. If these particles don't combine with another substance, they are known as free radicals. These free radicals are highly unstable, and may cause damage to cells as they seek to combine. Free radicals are implicated as the cause of a number of diseases, as well as damage to the epidermis.

An antioxidant prevents the oxidation that results in damaging side effects by providing easily oxidized compounds to bind the free radicals. Vitamins a, C and E are considered to be antioxidants, and a diet rich in these substances is recommended for good health. For your skin, an antioxidant applied locally helps fight free radical damage.