ABSTRACT

In healthy body, oxygen species and antioxidant defence mechanisms work in balance. Overproduction or inadequate removal of reactive oxygen species result in oxidative stress, leading to lipid peroxidation, DNA mutation or breakage, activation or inactivation of enzymes, protein oxidation.

Clinically, these cause several unfavorable effects included erythema, edema, wrinkles, photoaging, inflammation, autoimmune reactions, hipersensitivity reactions, keratinization disorders, neoplastic or preneoplastic lesions.

Although reactive oxygen species play a role in various skin diseases, their biological targets and pathogenic mode of action are still not fully understood. In addition, strategies in the therapeutic management of reactive oxygen species effects in are still lacking. The aim of this review is to give information to readers about reactive oxygen species, antioxidants and skin disorders influenced by reactive oxygen species.