Photoprotective effect of botanicals and vitamins: A systematic review of clinical trials

Sunproofing from within: A deep dive into oral photoprotection strategies in dermatology

BACKGROUND

Photoprotection is the first measure in the prevention and treatment of the deleterious effects that sunlight can cause on the skin. It is well known that prolonged exposure to solar radiation leads to acute and chronic complications, such as erythema, accelerated skin aging, proinflammatory and procarcinogenic effects, and eye damage, among others.

METHODS

A better understanding of the molecules that can protect against ultraviolet radiation and their effects will lead to improvements in skin health.

RESULTS

Most of these effects of the sunlight are modulated by oxidative stress and proinflammatory mechanisms, therefore, the supplementation of substances that can regulate and neutralize reactive oxygen species would be beneficial for skin protection. Current evidence indicates that systemic photoprotection should be used as an adjunctive measure to topical photoprotection.

CONCLUSION

Oral photoprotectors are a promising option in improving protection against damage induced by UVR, as they contain active ingredients that increase the antioxidant effects of the body, complementing other photoprotection measures. We present a review of oral photoprotectors and their effects.

Skin Protective Nutraceuticals: The Current Evidence in Brief

Nutraceuticals are important for healthy skin maintenance. Probiotics, phenolics, and vitamins are just a few of the nutraceuticals meant to potentially prevent and assist medical management of dermatologic conditions. Among these, probiotics, vitamin E, and green tea catechins may offer the broadest array of skin protective mechanisms with probiotics having the greatest clinical range. Probiotics’ amelioration of atopic dermatitis and opportunistic infections of skin burns has been targeted in recent research efforts. This includes the improvement of Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index scores, p = 0.02, with intact Lactobacillus rhamnosus Goldin and Gorbach (LGG) in comparison to heat inactivated LGG or placebo. Lactobacillus reuteri used prior to or concurrently with Staphylococcus aureus infection can increase epidermal keratinocyte survival, p < 0.01. Phenolics may not have been extensively studied for atopic dermatitis or skin burns. However, phenolics do have a role in photoprotection. The phenolic rutin increases ultraviolet B radiation filter reactive oxygen species scavenging at 75%, p < 0.002, and peak wavelength absorption, p < 0.001. While oral and topical probiotics have untapped potential for atopic dermatitis amelioration and skin infection prevention, phenolics will be increasingly used for photoprotection. With optimized bioavailability, dosage, and formulation, nutraceuticals will become crucial for healthy skin maintenance.