Carotenoids-Effective Radical Scavengers for Healthy and Beautiful Skin

Abstract

state of which is called oxidative stress. Free radicals attack the biomolecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids or DNA, inducing damage and reduction or even loss of function. This can contribute to the development of various diseases, such as neurodegenerative [2], cardiovascular [3] as well as skin diseases including skin cancer [4]. Oxidative stress also leads to the activation of certain signaling pathways, whereby the elastic collagen fibers in the deeper layers of the skin are degraded and only produced in small amounts, which leads to the typical characteristics of skin aging [5]. To what extent can our diet help to prevent oxidative stress and thus diseases and skin aging in a natural and controlled way? To answer this question, this mini review address in more detail the potential of antioxi-dant-based dietary supplements, especially carotenoids, to maintain health and youthful appearance. Abstract Free radicals are involved in various diseases and skin aging. To reduce and prevent this risk, our body produces antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals. However, some antioxidants need to be taken up with food, so a balanced and varied diet is essential for human health and beauty, along with sufficient exercise. Vegetables, especially curly kale, show very good antioxidative capacity due to the presence of carotenoids. As the recommended daily intake of vegetables is usually not consumed, dietary supplements are a good possibility to ingest carotenoids in a controlled and natural way. The positive effect of carotenoid-based dietary supplements on the skin has already been shown in several studies on healthy volunteers. Innovative non-invasive measuring methods have shown that oil extracts from vegetables significantly reduce not only free radicals in the skin but also the age-related breakdown of collagen and have a positive effect on skin parameters such as wrinkle volume. Thus, a balanced mixture of different natural carotenoids contributes to maintaining health and beauty.