Oxidative stress and free oxygen radicals are responsible for ageing, photoageing and skin cancer. Antioxidants are therefore used to treat or prevent tissue damage caused by oxidative stress. Commonly available antioxidants are Vit E and Vit C. Learn about the uses of antioxidants, how they help your skin and in what ways you can consume them.

1. Antioxidants in Dermatology
Oxidative stress and free oxygen radicals are responsible for ageing, photoageing and skin
cancer. Antioxidants are therefore used to treat or prevent tissue damage caused by
oxidative stress. Commonly available antioxidants are Vit E and Vit C.
Other newer agents have been extensively studied for their antioxidant properties.
GLUTATHIONE:
It is the body’s master antioxidant. It is said to be important in maintaining good health. A
person exposed to toxins is said to have a lower level of glutathione than normal population,
hence, cells die at a faster rate leading to quicker ageing and senisense. It protects the skin
from sun and environmental damages and lightens skin colour and pigmentation. Depletion
of glutathione is seen with smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, drug use and excess UV
exposure; hence the skin looks aged in the people with above behavioural symptoms
(smokers, alcoholics and drug abusers, etc.).
TOPICAL VITAMIN E (Alpha-tocopherol):
Mechanism of action: It acts by protection of cell membrane and as a free radical
scavenger.
Indications:
 Reduction in wrinkling

2.  Reduction in roughness associated with skin damage to sun exposure
 Used as a component of sunscreen
 It helps in wound healing
TOPICAL VITAMIN C (Ascorbic Acid):
Mechanism of action:
 It acts by protection of skin from UV damage caused by prolonged sun exposure by
reducing the amount of free radical formation / sun burn cells
 Collagen biosynthesis pathway by activating collagen metabolism and increased
synthesis of elastic fibres
 Vitamin C has some role to play in pigmentary disorders by reducing melanin synthesis
 Indications:
 In the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles (anti-ageing)
 Wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis
 Decreased severity of sun burns
 Decrease in pigmentation
Newer Antioxidants:
a) Licorice (botanical name is Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Mechanism of action:
 Inhibits melanin synthesis
 Inhibits formation of superoxide / free radical formation
b) Isoflavone genistein:
It is a newer antioxidant rich in flavanoids
Mechanism of action:
 Antioxidant agent
 Anticancer agent
 Photoprotective agent
c) Green Tea
 Obtained by steaming and drying of the fresh leaves of the tea plant, camellia
sinensis.
 Green tea has antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anticancer
properties.

3. d) Ubiquinone
 Naturally occurring antioxidant in the skin.
 Mechanism of action: Combats free radicals.
 These newer agents are the latest in field of cosmeceuticals and are a highly
researched subject.
Article Source http://www.skinclinicbangalore.com/post/antioxidants-in-dermatology/1422
Published at Dr. Kisalay Saurav’s blog