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Health News Archive 386 - Skin
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Vitamin E, Selenium and Carotenoids Improve Skin Health

German researchers report that the antioxidants vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids - lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene - improve various aspects of skin health and reduce the effects of skin aging.

Thirty-nine volunteers with healthy, normal skin were divided into three groups. Group one received a mixture of lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and selenium. Group 2 received the same combination minus the lutein with an increased dose of lycopene. Group 3 received a placebo.

Specifically, Group 1 received a mixture of lycopene (3 mg/day), lutein (3 mg/day), beta-carotene (4.8 mg/day), alpha-tocopherol (10 mg/day) and selenium (75 mcg/day). Group 2 was supplemented with a mixture of lycopene (6 mg/day), beta-carotene (4.8 mg/day), alpha-tocopherol (10 mg/day) and selenium (75 mcg/day). Group 3 was the placebo control.

Upon supplementation, serum levels of selected carotenoids increased. Subjects supplemented with the antioxidants in both groups also experienced a significant increase in skin density and thickness. In addition, roughness, scaling and wrinkling of the skin improved in both groups of subjects receiving the antioxidants. In the placebo group no changes were found for any of the parameters.

Source: Heinricha U, Tronniera H, Stahlb W, Béjotc M, Maurettec JM. Antioxidant Supplements Improve Parameters Related to Skin Structure in Humans. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2006;19:224-231.

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