The 'Lumenato' supplement contains a mix of tomato carotenes predominantly phytoene and phytofluene, zeta carotene, and other naturally occurring tomato phytonutrients. In general, the carotenoids and tocopherols are antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits.
The current study, carried out by Lycored researchers and published in the 'Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology', concludes that its synergistic blend of nutrients and antioxidants in the supplement not only boost collagen but also support ceramides (which reduce wrinkles) and protect them from oxidation.
The Study
The first phase of the study examined Lumenato’s impact when applied to cultured human cells. The tests demonstrated that the extract increases the activity of genes that work to enhance collagen production, control inflammation and oxidative stress, and contribute to tissue healing and protection. In addition, the carotenoids and tocopherols in Lumenato were shown to strengthen the skin barrier and help it cope with environmental challenges.
The second phase saw 61 women aged between 35 and 60 consume Lumenato or a placebo once a day for 16 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Subjects made clinic visits at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks for photography, subjective assessments, and instrumental measurements including trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) using a VapoMeter and photographic analysis using a VISIA Evolution photography device.
The report states the resulting data shows significant improvements in the participants with an impaired skin barrier at baseline, including improvements to skin smoothness and hydration as well as reductions in redness and pore size.
Among the genes upregulated by GTE were genes that augment innate immunity, enhance DNA repair, and the ability to detoxify xenobiotics.
"The studies presented in this publication, reveal a unique effect of GTE on skin at the dermal and epidermal levels. These carotenoids and tocopherols strengthen the skin barrier and equip it with tools to cope with environmental insult," the report states.
"Moreover, we demonstrated a correlation between barrier strength to specific skin appearance-related benefits such as reduction in redness and in pores and skin smoothening effect. We are also excited to report, for the first time, the existence of olfactory receptors in human dermal fibroblasts and their significant up regulation by GTE. While additional studies are required to further substantiate the barrier improvement claims as well as the role and function of the olfactory receptors, we believe that these studies are key in paving a path to biological modalities that are novel."
Elizabeth Tarshish, Lycored's Head of Clinical Affairs, said: “Lumenato is a vegan-friendly collagen and ceramide booster that nourishes the skin with beautifying nutrients. This study highlights its far-reaching benefits, with specific advantages for the vast number of consumers worldwide who suffer from dry skin as the result of a compromised skin barrier. Lumenato creates reservoirs of goodness to restore the balance of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, providing benefits for skin moisture, elasticity, and redness.”
Research background
Experiments conducted in the past two decades show specific benefits of lycopene and/or β-carotene include protection against UV-induced erythema and sun damage, reduced oxidative stress, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities.
β-Carotene is the precursor of vitamin A and is known to support collagen synthesis. Lycopene has been shown to protect against UV damage to cultured human dermal fibroblasts. This and its ability to ameliorate DNA damage induced by 4-hydroxyestradiol are thought to be attributable to its antioxidant properties.
In addition to antioxidant activity, phytoene and phytofluene are colourless carotenoids that absorb ultraviolet light. This property could provide an additional level of protection to the skin.
Fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in the dermis. They synthesize collagen and maintain the extracellular matrix. During aging, collagen fibrils are progressively lost leading to wrinkling. Fibroblasts play significant roles in innate immunity of the skin by producing cytokines to attract leukocytes to the dermis as well as communicating with melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis to influence melanin synthesis.
Source: Journal of Cosmetic DermatologyTarshish.
E., Hermoni. K., Sharoni. Y., Wertz. P.W., Dayan. N.,
"Effects of golden tomato extract on skin appearance—outlook into gene expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts and on trans-epidermal water loss and skin barrier in human subjects"