UV radiation causes DNA damage and protein oxidation
and induces the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases.
The use of botanical antioxidants to protect human skin
from the harmful effects of UV radiation is a topic that
has attracted growing interest in recent years within
the world of photoprotection research.22
The antioxidant
capacity of these ingredients reduces the damage caused
by UV radiation but does not interfere with the synthesis
of vitamin D in the skin. Moreover, many of these natural
substances have been shown to have other photoprotective
properties in addition to their antioxidant effect. The
classic antioxidants used in sunscreens include C and E
vitamins and b-carotene.23
The following is a summary
of the photochemicals shown in recent years to have
photoprotective effects.