Penis Skin and Oxidative Stress

Sporting a good-looking penis makes a man feel proud and, well, manly, which is one reason why penis care is so important. There are many things which make a penis look impressive, including shape and firmness. Arguably, the condition of one’s penis skin may be the most important, as it has both an aesthetic component and can often give clues as to how healthy and hygienic a man is. Because oxidative stress can prove damaging to all skin, including delicate penis skin, knowing more about this issue can help improve a man’s general penis care.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress (sometimes known as oxidative damage) is a not uncommon term, but what does it actually mean? To better understand oxidative stress, it’s necessary to start with a discussion of free radicals.

As is fairly obvious, the body needs energy in order to function. To get energy, the body burns glucose (sugar) which is obtained from the food a person eats. During the process, some oxygen molecules are released which need to bind with an electron. Termed free radicals, they go about trying to snatch an electron from someplace else – and when they do, they cause damage which is called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is implicated in many situations, including contributing to diabetes, cancer, stroke and other serious medical conditions. Oxidative stress is also considered to be one of the primary causes of aging skin, as well as weakening of skin – including penis skin.

Because the skin, being on the surface, is exposed to many other environmental factors (sunlight, variations in temperature, air pollution, etc.), it is more easily damaged by free radicals than some other body tissues.

Penis skin

Oxidative stress can affect penis skin in several ways. For example, oxidative stress breaks down collagen, an important ingredient in giving tone and elasticity to penis skin. Skin lacking in collagen is dull and wrinkled, looking noticeably aged.

Oxidative stress weakens and damages penis skin, and when that occurs, the body responds by trying to get rid of the damaged skin cells. This may result in a red, inflamed look as the body sets about doing its repairs. In addition, to having an off-putting appearance, this can cause some degree of penile soreness which may interfere with a man’s desire for sex. It’s also important to note that the repair process initiated by inflammation usually also affects surrounding cells that had not been damaged.

Oxidative stress can make a vibrant, young-looking penis appear much older – and, when inflamed, make it seem to be harboring potential infections which can make a partner feel hesitant about engaging in sexual contact.

Antioxidants

Because free radicals occur when oxygen molecules are out scavenging, proper treatment generally requires the use of antioxidants. Often antioxidants are taken in pill or liquid form, but it is estimated that only about 1% of antioxidants consumed in this way actually make it to the skin. Topical application of antioxidants directly to the penis skin is a much better option.

Therefore, combatting oxidative stress to penis skin can be more effectively accomplished if a person includes regular application of a first class penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) in their daily penis health routine. Clearly, the crème needs to contain an antioxidant, so look for one with alpha lipoic acid. This is one of the more potent antioxidants. Vitamin C also have antioxidative qualities, and is especially good at protecting collagen in the penis skin, so finding a crème with both alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C provides even more protection against excess free radicals.