Lycoderm improves signs of aging: Study

Environmental factors, primarily ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, contributes to photo-aging. Photo-aging is characterized by changes in pigmentation and collagen deterioration, which causes fine lines and wrinkles to surface. Carotenoids such as those found in Lycoderm, act as antioxidants for the skin and protect it from UV light exposure.

New research, funded by Lycored, found their ingestible skincare extract to benefit overall skin condition as well as visibly boost radiance and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The study examined the effect of a novel dietary supplement formulation containing combination of phytonutrients from the tomato and rosemary. The tomato-based formula (Lycoderm) was previously found to be effective in reducing UV damage, which spurred the researchers to further investigate whether supplementation with these dietary micronutrients would improve skin condition and signs of skin aging. 

While former studies have shown that supplementation with Lycoderm correlates with an increase in carotenoid levels in the skin and improves its resilience to environmental factors, the new double-blind, placebo-controlled study is the first to focus on visible beauty parameters.

The study

A group of 60 participants were split into two groups of 28 and 32. The subjects were provided with either placebo or Lycoderm capsules. Prior to treatment and every month for the course of the 16-week study, the researchers noted skin carotenoid levels and image analysis of photography. Multiple questionnaires to assess skin condition were completed as well as expert visual grading of facial wrinkles. 

Findings

“Results indicated a statistically significant increase in skin carotenoid levels in subjects who ingested Lycoderm, but no remarkable change in the placebo group,” ​the authors noted. “The subjects noticed multiple skin benefits such as skin brightness and tonality, skin hydration and overall skin condition after using Lycoderm.”​

At the end of the 16-week study, the Lycoderm group saw a 5.6% reduction in wrinkle severity, while those taking the placebo saw no significant effect. A similar trend was observed for fine lines.

Over 80% of subjects taking Lycoderm also said that their skin felt smoother. The results were even more pronounced for dryness, with 90% reporting that their skin felt more hydrated.

Nearly 68% of the Lycoderm group said their skin had a more even tone, and while 64.5% said they noticed an improvement in its brightness.

Beauty from within

“Based on the confines and conditions of this study oral supplementation with Lycoderm resulted in significant increase in skin carotenoid level as well as tangible benefits to skin,”​ noted the report. 

Elizabeth Tarshish, Lycored's Head of Clinical Affairs who led the research, said “It’s visible evidence that beauty comes from within, showing how supplementation can help consumers achieve an ‘inner glow’ that enables them to feel truly comfortable in their own skin.”​

Source: Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics​

2020, 9:2 DOI https://bit.ly/31AupfW​

“Effect of Oral Supplement “Lycopene” On Reducing the Signs of Skin​

Ageing”​

Authors: E. Tarshish, et al.