This new research supports increasing evidence that skin wellness can be enhanced at the cellular level. By oral supplementation of Lycoderm™, which blends standardised levels of tomato phytonutrients and carnosic acid (rosemary extract) inspired by the Mediterranean diet, skin cells are better able to cope with environmental challenges by appearing visibly less red and increasing skin’s resilience against UV. This research is significant as UV damage is identified as the primary preventable cause of skin ageing, responsible for up to 90 percent of premature damage.
A milestone in Lycored’s journey, this large, 149-person 2018 study is a continuation of Lycored’s award-winning 2016 study, which uncovered how the Lycoderm™ tomato nutrient complex nourishes our bodies and skin with carotenoids. The new study builds upon that discovery; with 12 weeks of supplementation, UV-exposed skin appeared calmer on both molecular and physiological levels. Internally, participants experienced reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and externally, that balance was reflected in reduced skin redness.
“This study supports the notion that true beauty starts from within,” says Dr. Karin Hermoni, PhD, Head of Science & Nutrition at Lycored. “All people should strive for a healthier relationship with the sun and be mindful of their exposure to UV. Complementing traditional topical skin care and sun care with proper nourishment of body and skin can help balance our skin’s response to environmental challenges and build a better foundation for beautiful skin and long term skin wellness.”
Study details
The concept was tested in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled multicenter study, where a synergistic carotenoid-rich tomato nutrient complex (Lycoderm™) was analysed to show whether it can protect from UV-induced erythema formation; assessed as an increase in the intensity of erythema formation (redness of the irradiated spot), and the upregulation of molecular markers associated with inflammation, and whether this correlates with carotenoid blood levels. 149 healthy volunteers were selected at random and placed two treatment groups, where they were subjected to a five-week wash-out phase, followed by a twelve-week supplementation phase. Subjects were exposed to controlled local UV radiation both at baseline and at the end of supplementation. Chromametry analysis to evaluate erythema intensity as well as biopsies collection to evaluate cytokine mRNA levels were performed following the UV exposure.
Results from this study revealed that Lycoderm™ helps boost skins resilience to UV-induced erythema formation, and helps reduce the local inflammatory process in the skin by attenuating mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6.
