A new article published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine stated that carotenoids – a class of phytonutrients, are effective in boosting the skins innate resistance against ultraviolet (UV) B-induced erythema (sunburn). 

The authors informed that many clinical studies have focused on the measurement of erythema as the primary clinical indicator of skin protection against UVB radiation. While more recent studies have shown that carotenoid supplementation provides a greater degree of skin protection than previously shown; new clinical and molecular endpoints beyond UVB-induced erythema have been reported. In addition, carotenoids provide photoprotection against UVA-induced pigmentation and inhibit molecular markers of oxidative stress, for instance – intercellular adhesion molecule 1, haem oxygenase-1 and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9. 

This article summarized that carotenoids more effectively support skin photoprotection than previously thought. Oral supplementation with multi-carotene supplements may provide incidental photoprotection with a more uniform coverage over the total body surface area and could potentially help maintain healthy-looking skin. Furthermore, future areas of research on carotenoids may encompass their antioxidant-action for their use in the protection of human skin against non-UV wavelengths – such as near-infrared radiation and visible light, as well as other environmental threats like air pollutants. 

Source: Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine. 2021 May 5. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12690.