Protective Effects of Topical Antioxidants in Humans

Abstract

Human studies have convincingly demonstrated pronounced photoprotective effects of 'natural' and synthetic antioxidants when applied topically before UVR exposure. Particularly with respect to UVB-induced skin damage such as erythema formation, the photoprotective effects of antioxidants are significant when applied in distinct mixtures in appropriate vehicles. Topical application of such combinations may result in a sustained antioxidant capacity of the skin, possibly due to antioxidant synergisms. And, since UVA-induced skin alterations are believed to be largely determined by oxidative processes [26], topical administration of antioxidants might be particularly promising [27, 28]. In fact, topical application of antioxidants or antioxidant mixtures resulted in a remarkable increase in the minimal dose to induce immediate pigment darkening after UVA exposure [18, 23] and diminished the severity of UVA-induced photodermatoses [22] in humans. In conclusion, regular application of skin care products containing antioxidants may be of the utmost benefit in efficiently preparing our skin against exogenous oxidative stressors occurring during daily life. Furthermore, sunscreening agents may also benefit from combination with antioxidants resulting in increased safety and efficacy of such photoprotective products [11, 29].

DNA damage, death receptor activation and reactive oxygen species contribute to ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis in an essential and independent way

“…Therefore, it is suggested that the topical application of radical scavengers and antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C and their derivatives may prevent premature skin aging and indeed these substances are widely used (Dreher and Maibach, 2001). Our findings that antioxidants inhibit UVB-induced apoptosis and thus enable survival of damaged keratinocytes would imply that the chronic application of these substances may enhance the risk for skin cancer.…”

Anacardium occidentale L. extract in cosmetic formulations: benefits for oily skin

“…In oily skin, free radicals are related to inflammatory processes involved in the formation of acne lesions. Thus, the antioxidant activity of CAE can prevent and reduce acne lesions (24).…”

“…Na pele oleosa, os radicais livres estão relacionados com processos inflamatórios envolvidos na formação de lesões de acne. Esta atividade antioxidante CAE pode prevenir e reduzir as lesões de acne (24) . Além da actividade antioxidante, CAE melhorou o perfil sensorial da formulação de protetor solar desenvolvida.…”

In vitro and in vivo effects of lutein against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity

“…There have been many studies on the benefits of lutein in humans due to its antioxidant properties. Most of them deal with the potential protective action of lutein in eye diseases (Landrum and Bone, 2001;Beatty et al, 1999;Duncan et al, 2002), and also in heart (Howard et al, 1996;Krieglstein and Granger, 2001;Martin et al, 2000) and skin diseases (Alves Rodrigues and Shao, 2004;Britton, 1995;Krinsky, 2002;Dreher and Maibach, 2001). Recent studies suggest a protective effect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (Min and Min, 2014;Nataraj et al, 2015).…”