After completing this lesson you should be able to : Free radical scavengers. Many cosmetic products contain free radical scavengers; molecules which can react with free radicals to form stable molecules and prevent chain reactions. Free radical scavengers are also added to food products and to plastics.

Free Radical Scavengers Many cosmetic products contain free radical scavengers. These are molecules which can react with free radicals to form stable molecules and prevent chain reactions. Melatonin and Vitamin E are examples of natural free radical scavengers. Melatonin Free radical scavengers are also added to food products and to plastics. As UV light can cause wrinkling of skin, some skin-care products claim to contain chemicals which prevent wrinkling. These are claimed to be anti-aging creams. Free radicals remove electrons from skin cells and damage them and wrinkles start to develop. COPY

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Do they work? There is a range of antioxidants used in anti-wrinkle creams, and some are better at penetrating the skin than others. The antioxidants used in skin care are derived from Vitamins A, E and C The derivatives of Vitamins A (retinol) and E combat free radicals. Vitamin C is used in the construction of collagen. Other antioxidants work by exfoliating the dead skin on the surface to reveal newer, younger-looking skin underneath. Still others create a barrier to prevent moisture loss from the skin. COPY

Claims for retinol derivatives say it can reduce the appearance of lines and reduce skin roughness, and blotchiness. There is some research that says retinol can increase the thickness of the epidermis. But as the molecules are large, they can't fit though the skin unless combined with substances that make the holes in the lipid matrix bigger. Vitamin E is the most widely used ingredient in skin care products, used for its moisturising and antioxidant properties. COPY