Knowledge of free radicals and antioxidants in dermatology in the general population

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundExcessive production of free radicals may cause oxidative stress. In dermatology, free radicals are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of various dermatoses, in the onset of cutaneous neoplasias, and in the aging process. Few data are available on the knowledge about free radicals in the general population.ObjectivesTo investigate knowledge of free radicals and antioxidants in a large sample of the French general population, with a particular focus on skin aging.MethodsData were collected through a web‐based online survey of a representative sample of the French population aged 18 years or more. The survey included seven questions on the role of free radicals in the human body, their possible risk factors, and the role of antioxidants in dermocosmetics.ResultsData were collected on 15,050 participants, with 52.8% of men and mean age of 46.9 years. About half of the participants reported knowing free radicals, and more than half of them were aware that free radicals may be harmful to the body and cause cell oxidation. Among factors causing the production of free radicals, the most frequent answer was UV, followed by smoking, pollution, and alcohol. More than three‐quarter of participants were aware of the role of free radicals in skin aging, and about 60% of the existence of protective antioxidant treatments. Knowledge of free radicals was reported more frequently by women than men and increased with age and educational level.ConclusionsA significant proportion of the French population seems unfamiliar with the term free radicals and antioxidants. This is perhaps due to the ambiguity that exists within the scientific community about how to prevent oxidative stress and whether these mechanisms produce clinical results.