Mechanism

Oxidative Stress

Imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense; a driver of structural damage.

Review

What it is

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage lipids, proteins, and DNA.

Antioxidant systems (vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione) buffer this damage. Topical antioxidants are a recurring theme in aging-related care.

It links many aging-related ingredients to a shared mechanism axis.

Primary structural protein of the dermis; declines and fragments with age and UV exposure.

Elastic dermal fibers that allow skin to recoil; degraded with cumulative photoaging.

Ingredient axes

Antioxidant axis

L-ascorbic acid and derivatives — antioxidants associated with photoaging-related care.

Barrier / inflammation support axis

A vitamin B3 derivative associated with barrier support and anti-inflammatory effects.