A tomato extract standardized to contain high amounts of lycopene and tocopherols might protect the skin from oxidative stress, according to an in-vitro study appearing in Antioxidants.
 
In the study, researchers exposed human dermal fibroblasts to oxidative stress, which led to cell death and decreased pro-collagen secretion, in order to determine to what extent treatment with the extract, marketed by Lycored as Lycomato, could reverse these effects.
 
Skin aging is influenced by several factors including environmental exposure and hormonal changes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mediate many of the effects of these factors, induce inflammatory processes in the skin and increase the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in dermal fibroblasts, which leads to collagen degradation. Several studies have shown the protective role of estrogens and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables on skin physiology,” the authors said.
 
They also investigated the effects that tomato and rosemary extracts combined would have on oxidative stress parameters, in a formulation similar to Lycoderm, another supplement formulation containing both Lycomato and rosemary extract.
 
Positive effects were observed for pre-treatment with rosemary extract, which decreased MMP-1 secretion and increased pro-collagen secretion to basal levels. Although both Lycomato and rosemary extract delivered significant benefits alone, their beneficial effects on mitigating the effects of reactive oxygen species were heightened when they were combined.
 
Supplementation with carotenoids and other phytonutrients may reduce oxidative stress-induced damage, benefitting skin health and appearance, the authors of the study suggested. Its findings may be particular relevant when it comes to investigating skin damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants, as well as the natural aging process – oxidative stress is implicated in all of these forms of skin damage.
 
“This study indicates that carotenoids, polyphenols, and estradiol protect dermal fibroblasts from ROS-induced damage and suggests that a balanced diet rich in phytonutrients may improve skin health and appearance. In addition, improvement in skin health can be achieved by topical application of estradiol and crude or purified dietary compounds,” the authors of the study concluded.
 
“We’ve long known about the many links between the components of our diet and the health of our skin,” Dr. Karin Hermoni, head of science and product at Lycored, said. “This study provides exciting new evidence that the carotenoids and other phytonutrients in Lycomato offer significant protection against the damage caused by oxidative stress. It also demonstrates that it’s a perfect partner for collagen in skin health supplements, and in anti-aging products in particular.”
 
Last year, another of Lycored’s ingredients called Lumenato, a standardized extract of exotic tomatoes, was evidenced in an in vitro study to have the potential to preserve and enhance collagen levels in the skin.