Lutein and Zeaxanthin Improve Skin Tone, Study Suggests

Photo © iStockphoto.com/PredragVuckovic. Edited by Quinn Williams.

Following the arrival of several promising eye-health studies on OmniActive Health Technologies’ (Morristown, NJ) Lutemax 2020, the firm has shared new research results supporting the ingredient’s potential beautifying effects. Researchers found that Lutemax 2020, a marigold extract combining the macular carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin, improved overall skin tone and skin lightening in healthy adults with dry skin.

Writing in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, researchers studied 46 healthy adults (aged 18–45) with mild-to-moderate dry skin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. For 12 weeks, subjects were randomized to consume either a Lutemax 2020 oral supplement (10 mg of lutein plus 2 mg of the zeaxanthin isomers) or a placebo once per day. Researchers studied skin tone, photo-protection, skin firmness, and skin lightening/brightening using a Chromameter, Cutometer, and VISIA-CR 2.2. facial imaging, as well as subjective participant self-assessments. OmniActive dubbed the trial the Beautiful Skin Forever study.

Compared to the placebo group, overall skin-tone and skin-luminance values were significantly increased in the Lutemax 2020 group. Lutemax 2020 also significantly increased the individual typological angle of participants, and increased the mean minimal erythemal dose after 12 weeks of supplementation-further suggesting the ingredient’s photoprotective action.

“We are seeing compelling science expanding the macular carotenoids beyond vision into exciting new categories such as skin health, and our robust clinical program is rapidly expanding this growing breadth of research,” says Lynda Doyle, senior vice president of global marketing for OmniActive Health Technologies. “The results of the Beautiful Skin Forever study serve as an important part of our Lutein for Every Age program, further supporting our ongoing efforts to help build new claims and concepts for the industry.”

Read more:

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Elicit “Rapid Retinal Response,” Study Suggests

Policosanol and Aloe Moisturizer May Control Skin Oil

Macular Carotenoids Improve Photo Stress Recovery, Glare Performance, Study Suggests

Michael Crane
Associate Editor
Nutritional Outlook Magazine
michael.crane@ubm.com

References:

Juturu V et al., “Overall skin tone and skin-lightening-improving effects with oral supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial,” Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 9 (October 2016): 325–332