An (10) apparatus and method for applying a beneficial agent (14b) to the skinis disclosed in one embodiment ofthe invention as including first and second chemical reactants (14a), eachbeing compatible with the skin. The first and secondchemical reactants (14a) react with one another to generate a (14b) beneficialagent (14b) and enhance the permeability of the skin(e.g., by generating heat). The beneficial agent (14b) may then be applied tothe skin while the permeability of the skin is enhanced.In selected embodiments, the first chemical reactant (14a) includes one ormore metals, or alloys thereof, that are compatible(i.e., not harmful) with the skin. Similarly, in selected embodiments, thesecond chemical reactant (14a) may include water. Incertain embodiments, the beneficial agent generated by the first and secondchemical reactants (14a) includes an antioxidant suchas hydrogen.
