This invention comprises administering to a human or animal in need of treatment an effective amount of an
antioxidant lipoic acid derivative and / or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof for the treatment or prevention of
pathological (inflammatory, proliferative and degenerative diseases, e.g.
diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's
disease and chronic viral diseases) and non-
pathological (e.g.
skin aging and
wrinkle formation) conditions caused by
oxidative damage. Methods of synthesizing novel
antioxidant lipoic acid derivatives and their use in preventing or treating diseases or conditions caused by
oxidative stress and other free radical mediated conditions are described. Another aspect of this invention is the use of these
antioxidant compositions for the protection of
skin from damage caused by
ultraviolet radiation and dessication, and to provide improved
skin feel by desquamating, cleansing and clarifying the skin. The compositions described in this invention increase
cellular viability of epidermal cells, promote
cytoprotection, and decrease the production of inflammatory mediators such as inflammatory cytokines in these cells. The antioxidant compositions are incorporated into sunscreen products,
soap, moisturizing lotions, skin toners, and other
skin care products.