Novel Antioxidant Combats Skin Aging

Skin ages due to the constant exposure to sunlight as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates cells and increases the number of damaging free radicals, especially the reactive oxygen species.  Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of mutations which speed up aging and destroy the skin’s supportive fibers, collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles.  Recent studies strongly suggest the damage caused by reactive oxygen species may also initiate and exacerbate the development of skin cancers. Antioxidants can neutralize this damage within the cells.  Mark Birch-Machin, from Newcastle University (United Kingdom), and colleagues completed laboratory tests that identified the capacity for Tiron to protect against UV-A radiation, finding that the compound offered 100% protection of the skin cells. Further, the team observed that Tiron also protected cells against mitochondrial DNA damage.