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Tomato-based (Lycopene) skin care has made the news in recent years for its ability to treat almost everything from large pores, acne, rashes, hair loss, sunburn or simply to revive the glow of dull skin. Why all the ruckus over the simple organic, natural tomato?
Since you’re on our site you already have a basic knowledge or interest in Lycopene and its skin care benefits. It’s one of the carotenoids—the yellow, orange and red-colored, fat-soluble, natural pigments that give plants like pumpkins or autumn leaves their color. Lycopene is reddish colored and found in pink grapefruit, papaya, wolfberry, goji berry, and yes, especially in tomatoes.
A recent scientific study noted that the effects of topically applied lycopene in reducing the activity of enzymes involved in carcinogenic and acute inflammatory effects caused by UVB irradiation. In simple terms topically applied Lycopene can counter skin damage caused by the sun and environmental factors. In addition, topical Lycopene was found to enhance the healing of burns and UV radiation erythema. One of the plastic surgeons is specifying our Lycopene Cream for use after performing surgeries, laser treatments, and chemical peels. He has found it to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent blistering, maintain flexibility of the skin, and accelerate the normal healing process.
Another medical university tested the effects of tomato cream humans for its anti-wrinkle ability. Female volunteers were recruited, half using a placebo lotion and half a lycopene cream. After 42 days of application, the lycopene cream formula significantly decreased wrinkles. It also was found to be
compatible with skin, causing no sensitivity or reactions. What did they credit for this result? The lycopene cream’s high antioxidant abilities.
While a variety of oral and topical therapies is available to treat wrinkles, the most successful ones include all seem to include antioxidants. Antioxidants decrease the number of reactive oxygen species in the skin by reducing its level and preventing them from reacting with the skin. This stops skin stress and will counteract aging processes. Examples of antioxidants used in cosmetics include trichlor oacetic acid, α& β hydroxy acids, vitamin E, vitamin C, phenolic compounds and, lycopene. Tomatoes contain lycopene and β-carotene, as well as other natural antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidants and can reduce inflammation as well as protect the skin from UV radiation. This is due in part to its molecular design, and ability to filter UV light. Lycopene’s sun protection is only about an SPF 3, though, so using a sun cream is recommended if you will be exposed to direct sun during the day.
Tests have also been conducted illustrating Lycopene’s ability in reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress in skin which may inhibit the formation of skin carcinoma (cancer) by inducing cellular antioxidant defense systems.
All in all, Lycopene’s numerous benefits illustrate why a Lycopene Cream should be part of every person’s skin care regime.
