Dr Mathobela’s take on Antioxidants in Dermatology.

Skin has a contact and defence barrier against chemical, physical and biological hostilities continuously
To maintain cellular integrity and all the immune mechanisms, a series of chemical reactions occur but they unfortunately generate reactive oxygen species
The reactive oxygen species are highly reactive molecules that can rapidly change molecules (proteins, lipids, DNA) important to cutaneous homeostasis (ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions)
These free radicals can cause a few dermatological conditions including premature aging and skin cancers
Antioxidants mechanisms (endogenous or exogenous),act by neutralizing the reactive molecules preventing oxidative damage to cells and tissues
Antioxidants in the skin can be in the form of enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and non enzymes or low molecular weight antioxidants (hormones-oestradiol and melatonin, and/ or vitamins-E and C).

Dr. C.M. Mathobela

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