Bien-être 14/06/2021

Enjoy the sun without aging

Sun UV rays are essential for the proper functioning of the body. They indeed have the ability to synthesize vitamin D, allowing the absorption of calcium and its fixation in the bones. However, excess sun is harmful to the skin, as it produces oxidative stress that damages epidermal cells and accelerates its aging. To protect the skin from sun rays, it is essential to optimize antioxidant intake. Supplementation with beta-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, or polyphenols proves essential to protect the cells of our skin and thus enjoy the benefits of the sun without damaging it.

Why protect your skin?

Under the action of solar ultraviolet rays, the skin releases free radicals in varying amounts depending on exposure and skin type. Although the skin has natural antioxidant mechanisms to neutralize these free radicals, our defenses are sometimes overwhelmed by oxidative stress and our skin is affected. Free radicals indeed directly or indirectly attack the DNA of skin cells: the skin dries out, loses its suppleness, wrinkles appear, and brown spots settle.

Sunscreen protection is not enough

Sunscreen protection is essential but does not protect 100% against sun rays. UV rays that manage to reach the epidermis will activate free radicals, thus damaging the skin and accelerating its aging. However, it is possible to counter this accumulation of free radicals thanks to a good reserve of antioxidants.

Antioxidants as reinforcement

Antioxidants are molecules that slow down or prevent the oxidation of our cells by opposing free radicals. This is also what they do to compensate for the shortcomings of sunscreens. Indeed, antioxidants can neutralize the damage caused by free radicals activated by sun exposure. Thus, they play a soothing role against UV ray stress and complement sunscreens by boosting their effectiveness.

There are many antioxidants that amplify and strengthen the effectiveness of sunscreens. Among them are carotenoids, which are good to prioritize. The photoprotective effects of antioxidants have been the subject of numerous studies, demonstrating their effectiveness in protecting the skin and eyes, areas strongly affected by ultraviolet rays (Annual Review of Nutrition).

Carotenoids

Whether from foods or dietary supplements, studies have widely demonstrated the protective effects of carotenoids. This large family of yellow-orange pigments produced by plants, algae, and certain bacteria reduces the damage caused by UV on skin cells and promotes skin tolerance to the sun. Three carotenoids are particularly interesting to counter the effects of UV: astaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is the red pigment contained in the alga Haematococcus pluvialis. This pigment protects it from UV radiation and the stress of its natural habitat. It is a specific antioxidant for the skin and vision exposed to the sun's UV. Its very high antioxidant capacity indeed limits the impact of UV on the dermis, delays the appearance of sunburns, and limits signs of skin aging. Rare in the diet (certain fish, seafood, and crustaceans), Astaxanthin consumed as a dietary supplement is a valuable ally for your skin.

Beta-carotene

Abundant in certain fruits and vegetables (apricots, melons, carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, parsley, spinach, green cabbage), beta-carotene is a recognized photoprotector acting against free radicals. It helps fight the decrease in skin immunity caused by the sun by increasing the tolerance threshold to sunburn. Moreover, it helps the skin produce melanin, the natural tanning pigment that plays a role in protecting against the sun's ultraviolet rays and promotes an even tan. Beta-carotene thus prepares the skin for the sun by strengthening its natural protective functions.

Lycopene

Highly present in the human body, lycopene is a pigment that gives color to tomatoes, guavas, papayas, watermelons, and pink grapefruits. This pigment acts very effectively against free radicals by slowing down cell oxidation. Lycopene thus limits the harmful effects of UV rays on DNA, strengthens sun tolerance, and helps reduce sun erythema in sensitive individuals.

Polyphenols to complement

Polyphenols are very powerful molecules that allow the body to defend itself against external aggressions: UV radiation, pollution, etc. These antioxidants can inactivate free radicals, thus helping to fight cell aging. Polyphenols are found in most fruits, citrus fruits, vegetables, and roots, but especially in green tea. A natural anti-inflammatory against the sun, green tea polyphenols protect the skin against UV rays, soothe it, and heal it when it is damaged by the sun. Green tea polyphenols give the epidermis the means to regain its elasticity through cell renewal. Dietary supplements based on green tea extract are a source to prioritize for maximum polyphenol intake.