Further Skin Health Evidence for Lycopene Supplement

Lyc-O-Mato capsule consumed in the morning, with breakfast, may be an easy and effective way to help protect skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation that can lead to premature aging, or even skin cancer.

23 Mar 2010 --- A new nutricosmetic study conducted by world renowned dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD (president of the Dermatology Consulting Institute, High Point, NC.), found that daily oral supplementation with Lyc-O-Mato, a natural lycopene complex extracted from red ripe tomatoes, will enhance the protective properties of the skin against environmental stress and reduce premature aging and wrinkles.

Clinical evidence demonstrates that just one day of unprotected sun exposure can cause irreversible cell damage, which is associated with both morphological and histological changes. These changes can lead to premature aging of the skin.  “It only takes small amounts of daily sun exposure, such as walking to and from the car, or to the supermarket to start skin damage,” says David Djerassi, Wellness and Nutricosmetic Expert for LycoRed, Ltd. “Yet, despite highly publicized dermatologist recommendations and rising skin cancer rates, few people apply sunscreens every day.  A Lyc-O-Mato capsule consumed in the morning, with breakfast, may be an easy and effective way to help protect skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation that can lead to premature aging, or even skin cancer."

In the ten week study, one group was supplemented daily with Lyc-O-Mato capsules and the second group was supplemented with a placebo (soy oil).  After the supplementation period, the subjects were exposed to two MEDs of UVB and UVA radiation.  Skin biopsies taken from the volunteers, were carefully analyzed to determine the number of sunburn cells formed after the exposure to radiation.  Sunburn cells are dead cells, indicative of DNA damage caused by UVB and UVA light.  The number of sunburn cells found for the Lyc-O-Mato group was significantly lower as compared to the number found for the placebo control group. Fewer sunburn cells indicate less skin damage, which can manifest itself as premature aging and wrinkles.

“Other clinical studies have also shown that nutricosmetic supplements containing carotenoids, including those found in Lyc-O-Mato, can enhance the natural protective properties of the skin, thus helping reduce environmental stress damage. They also help maintain younger looking skin by increasing hydration, density, thickness, elasticity and smoothness,” adds Djerassi.