Research Summary:
It is estimated that total sun exposure occurs non-intentionally in three quarters of our lifetimes. Our skin is exposed to the majority of UV radiation during outdoor activities, such as walking, practicing sports, running, hiking, etc., and not when we are intentionally exposed to the sun on the beach. We rarely use sunscreens during those activities, or at least not as much and as regularly as we should, making us commonly prone to acute and chronic sun damage of the skin.
The only protection of our skin is endogenous (synthesis of melanin and enzymatic antioxidants) and exogenous (antioxidants, which we consume from food, like vitamins A, C, E, etc.). UV-induced photoaging of the skin becomes clinically evident with age when endogenous antioxidative mechanisms and repair processes are no longer effective, and actinic damage to the skin prevails.
At this point, it would be reasonable to ingest additional antioxidants and/or apply them topically on the skin. We review endogenous and exogenous skin protection with antioxidants.
Key Words: aging, antioxidants, photoaging, skin.
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