Effect of antioxidants and free radical scavengers on protection of human skin against UVB, UVA and IR irradiation

Abstract

Background/aims: This study was designed to observe the effect of a mix of commercial antioxidants and free radical scavengers (AO) on protection of human skin against different wavelengths of the solar spectrum: 280‐320 nm (UVB), 320‐400 nm (UVA) and 400‐900 nm (IR).Methods: Healthy volunteers were chosen from the local population and exposed to the three aspects of the solar spectrum. Erythema at 24 h, immediate pigment darkening (IPD) and immediate erythema were employed as markers for UVB, UVA and IR exposure, respectively.Results: Based on 24 h erythema measurements, the AO mix afforded about 2.6‐fold (163%) protection against UVB‐induced erythema (Table 1). IPD measurements after UVA exposure exhibited 76% protection afforded by the AO mix. The AO mix reduced IR‐induced increases in erythema and blood flow by 43% and 52%, respectively (Table 1).Conclusions: Data from these studies suggest that treatment with antioxidants prior to exposure to solar irradiation allows protection of human skin against IR as well as UVB and UVA. Antioxidants and free radical scavengers may be valuable adjuncts to traditional sunscreens, for protection of skin against the effects of actinic exposure that, over a long term, can result in formidable consequences such as skin cancer and photo‐aging.