The present invention relates to a topical or cosmetic system that includes a first element capable of acting as an electron donor and a second element capable of acting as an electron acceptor. Such first and second elements are spaced apart by a predetermined distance across a skin surface. The system also includes a third element extending over the predetermined distance across the skin surface, while the third element contains an electrically conductive medium for electrically connecting the first and second elements, thereby generating an electrical current that flows across the skin surface from the first element through the conductive medium to the second element in the absence of any power source. The present invention also relates to methods of using the above-described system for preventing or treating skin damage.