As we deepen our scientific understanding of skin health, one critical factor emerges - the detrimental impact of pollution. Our skin is under constant assault from environmental aggressors, and this is where Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) steps in. Dr. Hannah Sivak, the visionary founder of Skin Actives, not only emphasizes the significance of SOD in skincare but also presents an innovative approach to safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of pollution. Skin Actives, a pioneer in the field, harnesses the power of SOD and other antioxidant proteins to redefine the way we protect and nurture our skin in an increasingly polluted world.

The Superoxide Radical

"You may not be familiar with the superoxide radical; your body certainly is. And you may also know about antioxidants and pollution. Superoxide radicals are part of life, and it has been this way since oxygen appeared in the atmosphere thanks to photosynthesis," explains Dr. Sivak.

Superoxide radicals are generated as byproducts of mitochondrial respiration and various enzymes' activities. While they are essential for our immune system to combat invading microorganisms, excess superoxide can wreak havoc in our bodies. It's a potent oxidant that can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes, which is why our bodies have evolved to deal with it.

The Role of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

Enter superoxide dismutase (SOD). Dr. Sivak emphasizes, "Why do we need SODs? Because we live in an atmosphere that contains 21% oxygen. Not only that, but most living beings use oxygen." SOD is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down superoxide radicals into less harmful compounds, effectively protecting our cells from oxidative damage:

2H++ 2O−2 → O2 + H2O2

This enzymatic reaction converts superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, which are much less damaging to our cells and tissues.

Skin Actives: Elevating Skincare with Antioxidant Proteins

Skin Actives takes a unique approach to skincare by harnessing the power of antioxidant proteins, including SOD. Dr. Sivak explains, "Most skincare products include antioxidants, usually vitamin E or ascorbic acid, or others chosen among the many available botanical antioxidants. At Skin Actives, we use the best antioxidants you see in other brands. The difference is that we also offer purified, high specific activity, high purity proteins that will help recycle the skin’s natural antioxidant system."

This distinction sets Skin Actives apart, as we provide a comprehensive range of enzymatic antioxidants that complement our body's antioxidant system. These antioxidant proteins include SOD, Thioredoxin, Glutaredoxin, and Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase.

The Beauty of Enzymes

Dr. Sivak's passion for proteins is evident when she says, "My grandson can see beauty in a sports car. I can see beauty in a protein. I spent many years learning how to purify and care for them, measure activity, and everything else. I appreciate the beauty in a molecule that evolved through millions of years to do its job."

In the case of SOD, its activity relies on the presence of copper. Interestingly, the copper in SOD is not consumed during the enzymatic reaction; it facilitates electron transfer but remains intact, emphasizing the efficiency of this antioxidant enzyme.

SODs and Healing

Beyond skincare, SOD also plays a role in wound healing. Dr. Sivak notes, "ROS generated by several oxidases and mitochondrial respiration must be reduced mainly by antioxidative enzymes such as SOD. SOD-1 seems essential to wound healing, at least in mice."

Skin Actives’ Superoxide Dismutase DIY Ingredient

At Skin Actives, we are all about personalization in skincare. So we offer a wide variety of active ingredients to suit everyone’s individual needs and wants. SOD is no exception. If you are looking to make a simple SOD skincare product, kinactives.com is the only place to get it. Simply add a tube of SOD to the base product of your choice for a daily ROS-fighting boost to your daily skincare routine.

Skin Actives' ROS* BioNet: A Unique Antioxidant Solution

Skin Actives offers a remarkable antioxidant ingredient called the ROS* BioNet, which supplements the skin's antioxidant system and reduces oxidative stress caused by various factors like UV radiation and pollution. This innovative blend includes purified thioredoxin, glutaredoxin, and superoxide dismutase. Together, these proteins fortify the skin's defenses against oxidative stress, preventing long-lasting consequences such as wrinkles and sunspots. This trio is a key ingredient in our Advanced Ageless collection of skin, hair and nail products for the ultimate in anti-aging formulas. 

Choosing the Right Antioxidants for Your Skin

Dr. Sivak advises, "Let’s use any antioxidants that work for our skin, be it plant antioxidants or proteins that are bio-identical to our 'clever' antioxidant enzymes." Skin Actives Scientific provides a comprehensive collection of antioxidants to compensate for the skin's intrinsic antioxidant losses in an environment with increased oxidative stress. Dr. Sivak has done the tough research and came up with the right antioxidants in the right amounts for the maximum benefit of your skin. 

Skin Actives Products Containing Superoxide Dismutase

• Superoxide Dismutase: An antioxidant protein that effectively eliminates free radicals to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It can be added to water-based creams, serums or toners to fight skin damage.
• ROS BioNet: A concentrated blend of ROS* BioNet antioxidant proteins combined with glutathione. It can be added to creams or serums to combat oxidative stress or used as-is.
• Antioxidant Serum: This serum combines SOD with stable vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, along with various botanical, water-soluble antioxidants.
• Moisturizing Antioxidant Day Cream: Utilizing a cream as a carrier, this product contains a complete antioxidant mix, including hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients, botanical antioxidants, and the key actives, soy isoflavones, alpha-lipoic acid, and more.
• Advanced Ageless Collection for Skin, Hair and Nails: Have you tried our Advanced Ageless collection yet? It was specifically created by Dr. Sivak to address all signs of aging with the antioxidant power of ROS BioNet which includes SOD and the ultimate accelerator, apocynin, which helps all of the actives in our products be more effective. This collection of products is perfect for 55 and older men and women who need to give their skin, hair and nails extra love. As Dr. Sivak explains, as we age, our internal organs need more support so most of our body's nutrients go to keeping us alive. As a result, our skin, hair and nails begin to see signs of suffering. Adding the best and most effective actives to these parts of our body is crucial to fighting off those signs of aging.

DIY Skincare with Skin Actives

For those who enjoy creating their own skincare products, Skin Actives offers a range of antioxidant ingredients to enrich your formulations. These include ascorbic acid and derivatives, antioxidant booster, R-alpha lipoic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E oil, kakadu plum, and, of course, the essential ROS BioNet and Superoxide Dismutase. We encourage you to search through our extensive glossary and DIY product search to come up with your own unique skincare creations.

Skin Actives' dedication to incorporating Superoxide Dismutase and other antioxidant proteins into skincare is a game-changer. These meticulously crafted products empower you to protect your skin from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, ensuring a healthier, more radiant complexion. Beauty truly begins with the beauty of science.