The Skincarma Pod | Ep. 71: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): François-Serge Lemaire on the “Enzyme of Life,” Oxidative Stress & Skin Longevity
The Skincarma® Pod · Carmine Montalto
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Show Notes
Superoxide dismutase — or SOD — is one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body, yet it’s rarely discussed in modern skincare.
Often referred to as the “enzyme of life,” SOD plays a critical role as the body’s first line of defense against oxidative stress — a key driver of skin aging, inflammation, and cellular damage.
For decades, however, SOD has been considered ineffective as an oral supplement due to its instability in the digestive system.
So what happens when that problem is solved?
In this episode, Carmine sits down with François-Serge Lemaire, former L’Oréal executive and CEO of IsoCell, to explore the science behind GliSODin — a stabilized, orally bioavailable form of SOD supported by more than 40 published studies.
Together, they go beyond topical skincare to unpack how oxidative stress impacts the skin at a biological level — and why the future of beauty may lie in combining internal and external approaches.
You’ll learn:
• What superoxide dismutase (SOD) actually does in the body;• Why oxidative stress is central to skin aging and inflammation;• The difference between antioxidant enzymes and traditional antioxidants like vitamin C;• Why SOD has historically been considered non-bioavailable — and what changed;• Clinical insights on UV resistance, recovery, and skin health;• How combining oral supplements with retinoids and procedures may enhance results;• And, the growing shift toward “inside-out” beauty and skin longevity.
Key takeaway:
Topical skincare can only go so far. Supporting the body’s internal antioxidant systems may be the missing layer in how we approach skin aging — and skin longevity more broadly.
Connect with François-Serge Lemaire on LinkedIn at @François Vix. Explore GliSODin on Instagram at @glisodin_skin and discovery GliSODin products and science at glisodin.com. You can browse the research studies and publications at glisodin.org.
Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on Substack and LinkedIn – and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.
Product links:
Glisodin The Antioxidant Enzyme
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Publications and research:
A review of the science and health benefits for GliSODin
Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of an orally bioavailable sod-gliadin complex
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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:
Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.
Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.
Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.
Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.
Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.
Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.
Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.
Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.
The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.
The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.
With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™
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