Specific plant extracts are applied topically to upregulate genes which code for proteins to prevent the build-up of and mitigate the activity of various harmful materials within the skin. These upregulated proteins include glutathione transferases, peroxiredoxins, oxidoreductases, glutaredoxins and glutathione syntheses. These proteins produce additional glutathione, glyoxalase I, maintain cellular redox homeostasis, reduce hydrogen peroxide and alkylhydroperoxides, and conjugate glutathione to a wide number of exogenous and endogenous hydrophobic electrophiles. Keratinocytes have been induced to significantly upregulate glutathione and glyoxalase I protein expression. Additionally, keratinocytes pre-treated with diallyl trisulfide have increased viability when exposed to ozone, UV radiation or cigarette smoke extract. The active material can be extracted from plants such as garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, chives, scallions, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, mustard, turnip or radish, may include any compound of the allyl sulfide family, and may be of synthetic origin.