Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

We'd like to do a science fair topic on "Do anti aging creams protect skin from free radical damage?" But we are trying to figure out how to go about this project. Is this a good question? Can we test the creams on apples to demonstrate how well they stop the oxidation process? How do we determine scientifically if our answer is yes or no?
Would love advice

That sounds like a great topic! Free radicals (oxidants) play a major role in the again process, as high concentrations of them may lead to cell destruction. Antioxidants, which can be found in some skin care products, among other things, have the power to limit their damage. The Julian's Science Fair website has a list of projects that relate to this topic, if you want to take a look http://www.juliantrubin.com/fairproject ... aminc.html. One of their projects, analyzing the effect of Vitamin C (an antioxidant) on apples, would probably be the best one for you. It can be found here http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2008/Projects/J0403.pdf.

The researchers in that experiment mixed a solution of antioxidants and submerged a piece of an apple in it for a period of time. Then, they measured the amount of apple oxidized, among other aspects. It should be okay to use various skin creams containing antioxidants instead of the solution. I would take a loos at the second link, it has all of the information you should need. If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reply.

Best of luck,
Trystan