Vitamins and Other Antioxidants

Abstract

The term cosmeceutical was created over 25 years ago to define products with active substances that cannot be considered cosmetics or drugs. Oxidative stress has been recognized as a fundamental factor in the process of skin aging, since the skin is constantly exposed to solar radiation and environmental pollution, which are capable of inducing the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Topically applied antioxidants are an important group of cosmeceutical agents capable of preventing and reducing UV-induced skin damage, by protecting skin cells against the action of free radicals. A variety of antioxidants can be applied topically, including vitamins and its derivates, enzymes, minerals, and plant-derived compounds. Vitamins are essential compounds for many functions of the human organism. Scientific evidence shows that, in addition to their specific functions, certain vitamins are useful for prevention, as well as for topical treatment of photoaging and chronologic skin aging. Cosmeceuticals that contain topically applied vitamins have an increasing role in skin care. The mechanisms of action of these molecules, the proper formulation for topical use, and the scientific data that support their efficacy are important aspects to consider when prescribing antioxidant cosmeceuticals.