Abstract:
A review with 115 refs. Acute and chronic exposure to sun rays have been linked to several types of skin damage, including sunburn, photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, and photoimmunosuppression. One likely hypothesis for the genesis of these skin pathologies is believed to be the formation of free radicals. This suggestion has led to the supplementation of antioxidants such as a-tocopherol (vitamin E) in various cosmetic skin prepns. Vitamin E is now considered essential for the stabilization of biol. membranes, particularly those contg. large amts. of polyunsatd. fatty acids. For stability considerations, a-tocopherol is commonly used as its prodrug ester. This article reviews the chem. of vitamin E, its cutaneous biol. functions, its prodrug forms and their metab. into the active form of free vitamin E, and the effect of varying formulations on the percutaneous absorption of vitamin E.