Aging of human skin: Review of a mechanistic model and first experimental data

The physical, chemical, and biochemical factors that accelerate skin aging have been proposed to activate a self-maintained microinflammatory process, one of the expected end results of which is an imbalance in the turnover o f macromolecules in the dermis. Surface peroxides are recognized as control lable factors of skin aging, and their accumulation is attributed to enviro nmentally induced impairment of defense enzymes. Topical application of ant ioxidants decreases the rate at which skin elasticity and skin thickness ar e modified.