The Radical Status Factor (RSF): a novel metric to characterize skin products.

A scale of skin treatments is analysed, which bases on the detection of UV-generated free radicals in pig skin. Physiological and anatomical similarities between man and pig made this animal a good model for man in many research areas. The determination of the Radical Status (free radical response) offers the possibility to see in an early stage the effect of exterior and interior influences. The detection of the skin's response after a normalized radical generation by defined UV dose combined with the application of external and internal influences enables a comprehensive and easy classification of skin products and therapies. The effect of substances, especially, applied topically on the skin, like it is usual in cosmetics and pharmacy, can be classified. The relevance of the RSF method is demonstrated with the application of numerous different treatments on the skin.