Free radical processes in the pathogenesis of involutional skin changes

Aim. To study the role of free radical processes (FRP) in the development of involutional skin changes and their correction. Subjects and methods. One hundred and twenty patients aged 18 to 74 years with various degrees of involutional facial and cervical skin changes were examined. Clinical and laboratory assessments were made over time. The oxygen and lipid peroxidase parameters of FRP were estimated; objective and subjective visualization, Doppler flowmetry of the facial skin, and colorimetric study of the skin color spectrum were done. Results. The imbalance between oxygen and lipid peroxide components of FRP was found to increase with advancing age. These processes correlate with the severity of involutional skin changes and objectify the early use of energy-correcting therapy (ECT). The incorporation of ECT with cytoflavin positively affects FRP values and clinical and instrumental findings of involutional facial and cervical skin changes, by improving microcirculation. The patients with first-second degree involutional skin changes achieved the best results. Conclusion. The findings permit cytoflavin to be recommended as one of the components of therapy aimed to stabilize intradermal exchange processes as part cosmetic manipulations in aesthetic medicine.