π‘οΈ What's Your Antioxidant Score? Understanding the S3 Scanner
The Pharmanex BioPhotonic S3 Scanner is a non-invasive tool that measures the level of carotenoids in your skin. In just 30 seconds, it gives you a Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS), which is a reliable biomarker of your body's overall antioxidant health.
How Does It Work?
The scanner uses a scientific method called Resonance Raman Spectroscopy.
- It shines a safe, low-energy blue light onto the palm of your hand.
- Carotenoid molecules in your skin absorb this blue light.
- They reflect back a different color: green.
- The scanner measures the intensity of this green light to calculate your score. More green light = more carotenoids = a higher score.
Why Does Your Score Matter? The Free Radical Problem
Every day, your body is attacked by free radicalsβunstable molecules from pollution, stress, processed foods, and even normal metabolism. This attack causes oxidative stress, which can damage your cells, accelerate aging, and contribute to chronic health problems.
Antioxidants (like the carotenoids from fruits and vegetables) are your body's defense. They neutralize free radicals and protect your cells.
Your Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS) is like a report card for your body's antioxidant defense system. A low score means you have low protection, while a high score means you have a strong defense.
π Your S3 Scanner Score: What Do the Colors Mean?
Your score is presented on a color-coded scale from red (low) to blue (excellent). Hereβs what each color zone indicates about your health and lifestyle.
π₯ Red Zone: Low Protection
- Score: 10,000 β 19,000
- Health Implication: This indicates very low levels of antioxidant protection. Your body's defenses are likely overwhelmed by oxidative stress, placing you at a higher risk for cellular damage and the long-term effects of aging.
- Lifestyle: This score is common in individuals with a diet very low in fruits and vegetables, high exposure to stress and pollution, or who smoke.
π¨ Yellow/Orange Zone: Moderate Protection
- Score: 20,000 β 29,000
- Health Implication: You have some antioxidant protection, but it's not optimal. Your body may be struggling to fight off daily free radical damage.
- Lifestyle: This often reflects an average diet that includes some, but not enough, carotenoid-rich foods. Lifestyle factors like stress or inconsistent supplement use may also contribute.
π© Green Zone: Good Protection
- Score: 30,000 β 39,000
- Health Implication: You have a good level of antioxidant defense. Your body is better equipped to handle oxidative stress.
- Lifestyle: This score is associated with a healthy lifestyle, including a consistent diet with a good amount of fruits and vegetables and regular supplement use.
π¦ Blue Zone: Excellent Protection
- Score: 40,000 β 49,000
- Health Implication: Congratulations! This score shows a strong and robust antioxidant defense network. Your cells are well-protected from free radical damage.
- Lifestyle: This reflects a diet consistently rich in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, a healthy lifestyle, and/or optimal supplementation.
β¨ Platinum Zone: The Gold Standard
- Score: 50,000+
- Health Implication: This is the highest level of measurable antioxidant protection, indicating an exceptional defense system.
- Lifestyle: This score is typically only achieved through a dedicated commitment to a very healthy, antioxidant-rich diet, a low-stress lifestyle, and high-quality, consistent supplementation.
π How to Improve Your Score (And Your Health)
Your score isn't permanent! It reflects your lifestyle habits over the past 6-8 weeks. You can improve it.
- π₯ Eat the Rainbow: Aim for 5β10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Think dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), bright orange (carrots, sweet potatoes), and deep reds (tomatoes, red peppers).
- π Reduce Free Radicals: Minimize your exposure to things that create oxidative stress, such as smoking, excessive sun exposure, high stress, and processed foods.
- π Supplement Wisely: If your diet isn't perfect, consider adding a high-quality, scanner-certified carotenoid supplement to help bridge the nutritional gap.
Get Scanned: Track your score every 6β8 weeks to see the positive impact of your healthy choices in real-time!
