ABSTRACT
Many environmental factors attack our skin continuously: Sun, wind, pollutants and tobacco which constitute the principle skin aggressors. Free radicals which are highly reactive chemical compounds, induce cellular and tissue injuries, and subsequently lead to aging. These free radicals are normally produced by cellular metabolism. They are represented by: OH[degree], RCOO[degree], NO[degree] radicals and singlet oxygen. Free radicals are involved in cutaneous aging. Normally these radicals are neutralised by natural or human antiradical agents like superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and others. Some pathologic situations [cancer, Alzheimer disease, Crohn's disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus ] are characterized by an over production of these radicals where the natural defences become overwhelmed. Oral administration of exogenous substances like vitamin A, C, E, oligoelements Cu, Zn, Se, Mn decrease free radical harmful and deleterious effects. Nature has several means to fight against oxidative stress: polyphenols, flavonoides and lipids are antiradical substances of plant origin. The future belongs to understand natural antiradical mechanisms as well as the synthesis of new molecules which would be effective in prevention of harmful effects produced by these radicals