Antioxidants used in skin care formulations.
The formation of free radicals is a widely accepted pivotal mechanism leading to skin aging. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that can directly damage various cellular structural membranes, lipids, proteins, and DNA. The damaging effects of these reactive oxygen species are induced internally during normal metabolism and externally through various oxidative stresses. The production of free radicals increases with age, while the endogenous defense mechanisms that counter them decrease. This imbalance leads to the progressive damage of cellular structures, and thus, results in accelerated aging. Antioxidants are substances that can provide protection from endogenous and exogenous oxidative stresses by scavenging free radicals. Topical antioxidants are available in multivariate combinations through over-the-counter skin care products that are aimed at preventing the clinical signs of photoaging.
Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
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Bogdan Allemann
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Baumann
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D017592:Skin Care; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D013662:Tea
D000975:Antioxidants; D003358:Cosmetics; D005609:Free Radicals; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D013662:Tea