Abstract
- Background
Carotenoids, a prominent class of bioactive phytonutrients, are well established for their ability to enhance the skin's innate resistance against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced erythema, commonly known as sunburn. Historically, the vast majority of published clinical investigations have relied on the quantification of erythema formation as the principal clinical indicator of cutaneous photoprotection against UVB radiation. However, accumulating contemporary research indicates that dietary carotenoid supplementation confers significantly broader dermatological defense than previously recognized, as advanced clinical and molecular endpoints beyond simple erythema suppression have been elucidated. This comprehensive review synthesizes published clinical evidence spanning the last five decades regarding the dermatological benefits of carotenoids, highlighting emerging perspectives on the systemic role of ingestible carotenoids in comprehensive skin protection.
- Methods
A systematic examination of clinical literature spanning the past fifty years was conducted to evaluate the dermatological and photoprotective efficacy of dietary carotenoids. Data concerning clinical trial designs, participant cohorts, oral bioavailability, and specific cutaneous endpoints—ranging from classic UVB-induced erythema thresholds to sophisticated molecular markers of oxidative stress and UVA-induced pigmentation—were systematically compiled, critically appraised, and analyzed.
- Results
Evaluated clinical data confirm that ingestion of carotenoids effectively elevates cutaneous photoprotection against solar radiation. Beyond mitigating UVB-induced erythema, recent clinical and molecular studies demonstrate that carotenoid supplementation provides robust photoprotection against UVA-induced cutaneous pigmentation. Furthermore, carotenoids effectively inhibit key molecular markers of oxidative stress and photoaging, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9 (MMP-1 and MMP-9), thereby preserving extracellular matrix integrity and suppressing inflammatory signaling pathways within human skin.
- Conclusions
Ingestible carotenoids offer extensive, multi-faceted photoprotective benefits for human skin, operating well beyond traditional erythema reduction to encompass UVA-protection and the suppression of critical molecular markers of oxidative stress and photoaging. Strategic dietary integration of carotenoids represents an evidence-based dermatological approach for optimizing systemic skin resilience.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phpp.12690