Benefits of topical use of vitamin C against early skin aging

• Grant number: 14/21394-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Ivone da Silva Duarte
• Grantee: Fernanda Rocha Rojas Ayala
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The integrity of the skin, the largest organ of our body, is essential for human survival eao balance their protective functions, maintenance and restoration of homeostasis, involving a highly sophisticated system. Apart from its function as a mechanical barrier, the skin acts as an extensive organ peripheral neuro-immuno-endocrine in direct connection with the nervous system. The aging process is the accumulation of oxidative damage in cells and tissues. Exposure of the skin to sunlight leads to chronic inflammation, because the amount of elastin increases in proportion to the amount of solar radiation and acquires an abnormal appearance over time. The loss of sebaceous glands in the dermis, the skin becomes drier due to the lower fat production. Changes in elastic fibers, elastosis (accumulation of amorphous material elastin) are strongly associated with aged skin, as well as exposure to UV radiation that induces a decrease in thickness and espessuara of elastic fibers in the papillary and reticular dermis. This work will address the main active ingredients used for combat premature skin aging such as: anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, keratolytic, to decrease wrinkles, for lifting effect, anti-stain, among others. In the present study we describe the antioxidant vitamins C (10%) and E (0.5%), to combat skin aging, presenting results of the use of dermatological formulations and their advantages and limitations, as will be used in the prescribed protocol outpatient Cutaneous Aging and Skin Cancer. The prospective study will consist of 60 patients in the Ambulatory Health Promotion UNINOVE involving two study groups: Group 1 - 30 patients, women and nonsmokers. Group 2 - 30 female patients, smokers, without interrupting the smoking habit. The improved moisturization, softness and texture of the skin and also whitening the stains on the face and hands can be seen after treatment with active anti-oxidants. Thus, we conclude that it is interesting the use of non-invasive therapies that restore and biological and chemical properties of the skin, lost with the damage of sun exposure.