Antioxidants and Skin Aging: A Review

Skin aging is a complex, progressive, time-dependent deterioration caused by intrinsic (genetically programmed mechanisms) and extrinsic factors or environmental factors. These 2 processes are biologically different, but combined they lead to all of the cutaneous changes associated with aging skin. Skin is equipped with an elaborate antioxidant system that protects it from oxidative damage due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, the natural antioxidant pool can be compromised or overwhelmed. Topical antioxidants have been demonstrated to protect the skin from damaging free radicals produced intrinsically by normal cellular metabolism or through exposure to UV light. In this article, we will discuss the different approaches used to prevent oxidative stress, induced skin aging through protection by topical as well as dietary antioxidants. Testing approaches for the different classes of naturally derived antioxidants and future research possibilities are discussed.