Tomato-based Carotenoids Visibly Improve Skin Appearance

The supplement, containing a mix of tomato carotenoids, visibly improved skin appearance after 12 weeks of use.
The supplement, containing a mix of tomato carotenoids, visibly improved skin appearance after 12 weeks of use.

A supplement containing tomato carotenoids and oil-soluble vitamins can improve skin texture, tone and hydration, according to the outcomes a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (January 12, 2022).

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Elizabeth Tarshish, MSc, Karin Hermoni, PhD, Yoav Sharoni, PhD, and Neelam Muizzuddin, PhD, evaluated changes in plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, zeta-carotene and lycopene as well as consumer-perceived efficacy of an oral supplement (Lumenato) containing a mix of tomato carotenoids (obtained from yellow dry tomato pulp) in improving skin appearance after 12 weeks of supplement use.

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Part one of the study included 24 subjects who underwent blood draws at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after daily supplement use. Part two of the study (consumer assessment of efficacy) included 60 female subjects (35 to 55 years old) who answered questionnaires pertaining to their assessment of skin appearance before and after 12 weeks of taking the supplement.

The results showed a significant increase in plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene and zeta-carotene after 1- to 4-week treatment with Lumenato.

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Subject assessment after 12 weeks of use revealed statistically significant improvement in a variety of skin parameters including skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles.

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Self-assessed improvement of facial skin was identified at the first time point (4 weeks) and improved significantly after 12 weeks of use. The authors noted that these improvements, which were palpable to subjects, continued even after treatment was stopped.

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