Photoprotective formulations containing substances with antioxidant properties have been used for improving photoaged skin conditions.

A new study published in Photochemistry and Photobiology evaluated the clinical efficacy of sunscreens and cosmetic formulations containing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and rice peptides for the improvement of skin photoaging in young women.

In this double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled clinical efficacy trial, 60 female subjects aged 20-30 years, with skin changes related to photoaging and without photoprotective habits, were recruited. The hydrolipidic layer conditions and structural and morphological characteristics of the skin were evaluated by biophysical and skin imaging techniques.

The findings revealed that daily use of the formulations under study improved the skin conditions by increasing skin hydration and dermis echogenicity. Additionally, application of the active substances reduced skin hyperpigmentation and increased epidermal cell renewal.

Therefore, this study demonstrated the importance of daily application of sunscreens and formulations with antioxidant properties for the prevention and attenuation of skin changes related to photoaging in young women.

Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2021 Feb 2. doi: 10.1111/php.13390.