Role of novel delivery systems in developing topical antioxidants as therapeutics to combat photoageing

Ageing proceeds by highly complicated biochemical processes, in which the involvement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals has been implicated. Reactive oxygen species are dramatically enhanced by exposure to the ultraviolet radiation. Free radical scavengers and antioxidants can thus provide a long-term protection against these changes. Currently, dermaceutical and cosmetic industry is growing immensely with its main focus on packaging the active into a suitable/novel delivery system. This not only enhances the customer acceptance but offers better targeting to the upper skin layer, with faster onset, at a lower concentration of the active. Later also counter toxic or adverse effects observed with large doses especially when administered orally. Several of the antioxidant molecules are labile to degradation in the presence of oxygen, water and light, hence it becomes all the more appropriate to use a delivery system which will augment their stability and hence enhance the performance. In the present review, we focus on the pioneering research on novel delivery systems which can promote the therapeutic value of antioxidants for combating UV-induced photoageing. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.