Free radicals have the most dangerous effects on the skin, or as they are called, active oxidants. They have the ability to destroy the living cells, resulting in cancer, autoimmune and other diseases. However, according to British scientists, free radicals are harmless enough and are produced by the body for other purposes – to combat infections. In experiments, it was determined that the active oxidants produce white blood cells which give resistance to infection.
     People who have blocked the synthesis of free radicals genetically tend to suffer from severe chronic diseases.   Therefore, they questioned the usefulness of popular but expensive drugs called antioxidants.  They work to neutralize the active oxidants – free radicals.  Vitamin C is involved in the creation of new fibers in the skin, and also has the ability to neutralize free radicals that accelerate the aging of the skin. Vitamin E also has the ability to dispose of free radicals and has an enormous impact on the maintenance of youthful skin.
      The life expectancy of different cells of the human body varies: some brain cells can live to 120 years while some other tissue cells live only a few days. The body does not allow all cells to live forever. Over time, the loss of cells reduces the length of human life.  
The four major causes of damage to cells:
- Increase in the number of radicals-active oxygen
- Increased lipid peroxidation
- The destruction or damage of protein molecules
- Mutations of cell structures
      The free radicals in the human body are involved in many physiological processes. But that is only if their number does not exceed the allowable values. If the number of free radicals in the body exceeds the allowable level, they will have a detrimental effect on the body. Free radicals live a short time, just seconds. But, as they live they cause irreparable damage to the cells interacting with fatty acids and oxidizing them. This results in skin cell walls that are fragile and easily destroyed. Free radicals can also destroy polysaccharides, which produce synovial fluid that in turn provides lubrication for the joints. This can lead to disease.