The present invention relates to a topical or cosmetic system that includes a metal and a semiconductor element. One element acts as an electron donor and the other element acts as an electron acceptor. Such metal and semiconductor elements are in contact through a metal/semiconductor junction. The system also includes an electrically conductive medium that extends across the skin surface and electrically connects the metal and semiconductor elements. The electrical resistance of the conductive medium is significantly smaller than that of the metal/semiconductor junction, so that the majority of electrical current generated between the metal element and the semiconductor element flows across the skin surface through the conductive medium 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.
