THE SKINCARMA POD | Ep. 71: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): François-Serge Lemaire on the “Enzyme of Life,” Oxidative Stress & Skin Longevity
What is superoxide dismutase (SOD)?
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
