If you’re looking for a new, all natural way to provide your clients with radiant, healthy looking skin, consider embracing the wonderful benefits that carotenoids offer for beauty and health from the inside out.
What are Carotenoids?
Carotenoids are a class of antioxidants that have been shown to promote longevity, fight cancer, support a strong immune system and even give skin a natural, healthy glow. These phytonutrients, or “plant chemicals”, are found in the cells of a wide variety of plants, algae and bacteria. Carotenoids help plants absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis. These pigments create the bright red, yellow and orange hues found in many fruits and vegetables, and play an important role in plant health.It is estimated that more than 600 different carotenoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthins and zea-xanthins are distributed throughout the plant and algae world. Beta-carotene is the most studied, and also the most physiologically and nutritionally important member of the carotene family.
Although different types of carotenoids have independent functions, many can be metabolized into vitamin A in the human body, which is necessary for healthy vision and cell growth. Beta-carotene is the most prevalent carotenoid in plant food sources, and is known as being pro-vitamin A.
The most abundant carotenoids in human tissues are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene. A small number of carotenes, including fat-soluble beta-carotene, are precursors to production of vitamin A in the body. Excess retinol is stored in the liver and synthesized into active vitamin A in times of need. Lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be converted into vitamin A, though they provide other health benefits. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of topical and oral supplements of carotenoids in terms of improving the appearance of skin.
Nutritional Benefits
Diets rich in antioxidants are known to help immune systems, protect against free radicals and lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. The different varieties of carotenoids all act as antioxidants with strong cancer-fighting properties, protecting cells from free radicals that work to destroy cell membranes and DNA. Studies have also suggested that carotenoids may help prevent skin, breast and prostate cancer. They may even help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in arteries.Foods rich in beta-carotene include apricots, carrots, cantaloupe, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale, romaine lettuce and squash. Many herbs and spices are also rich in carotenoids, such as basil, chili powder, oregano, paprika and parsley.
Topical Benefits
As powerful antioxidants, carotenoids have properties that protect the skin against damage. Here are some key beauty benefits of carotenoids in topical application:Anti-aging
Research has shown that topical vitamin A in the form of retinol and retinoic acid fights wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. When collagen becomes damaged due to UV exposure and other aggressors, wrinkles begin to develop. Retinoids then “turn on” the cells responsible for making new collagen, strengthening skin and filling in fine lines below the surface so skin texture is improved and looks smoother.Evens complexion
Creams rich in beta-carotene can lighten areas of sun-induced brown spots, also known as skin pigmentation or melasma. Beta-carotene boosts skin radiance by increasing skin cell turnover, helping to shed pigmented, damaged and rough surface cells. This invites new, healthier cells to the surface, and enables light to reflect from the complexion more evenly.Sun safe glow
Topical application of beta-carotene imparts a healthy, natural glow because of the distinct orange color of beta-carotene. While the quantities contained in skin care products won’t make the skin turn orange, this nutrient is used in some products as a coloring agent, as the orange pigment gives skin a sun-kissed glow without the sun.Fights acne
When applied directly onto the skin, retinoids slough off dead skin cells, which, if not removed, cause pimples and clogged pores to appear. In addition, vitamin A stimulates cell turnover, sparking the same process within the pores themselves, helping to slow oil production and keep pores clear.ORAL SUPPLEMENTATION SUN PROTECTION
Beta-carotene is often referred to as the “sun vitamin”, as studies show that it reduces the skin’s sensitivity to sun. According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, researchers looked at several studies and found that participants who took beta-carotene supplements for 10 weeks had lower rates of sunburn than those who didn’t take the supplements. For each month of additional supplementation, the protection level increased. As a strong antioxidant, it also fights free radical activity caused by UV light, pollution or other environmental damage. The carotenoid lycopene has also been shown to decrease the effects of skin damage caused by sunlight.To promote glowing skin for your clients, encourage them to skip the sun worship this summer. Instead, educate them on how a healthy combination of a carotenoid-rich diet and skin care can give them gorgeous looking skin all year long.
Supporting Research
Chew et al. “Long-Term Effects of Vitamins C, E, Beta-Carotene and Zinc on Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” Ophthalmology, published online April 11, 2013.Köpcke W1, Krutmann J. Protection from sunburn with beta-Carotene–a meta-analysis. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2008 Mar-Apr;84(2):284-8. Epub 2007 Dec 15.
