Natural Antioxidants: Multiple Mechanisms to Protect Skin From Solar Radiation

 

Re-written summaries by: Anuva Gajjar

Date Published: 10/19/2022

Original research links:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29740318/

 

Introduction:

The study "Natural Antioxidants: Multiple Mechanisms to Protect Skin From Solar Radiation" by Dunaway et al. focuses on the protective effects of natural antioxidants on the skin against solar radiation. Solar radiation, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is a major contributor to skin damage and aging, as well as skin cancer. UV radiation causes damage to the skin by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to inflammation, DNA damage, and abnormal cell proliferation. The authors aim to review the current literature on natural antioxidants and their potential to protect the skin from solar radiation through multiple mechanisms such as scavenging of UV-induced reactive oxygen species, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the activation of signaling pathways involved in skin damage and aging.

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Methods:

The authors conducted a literature review of studies on natural antioxidants and their protective effects on the skin against solar radiation. They searched for relevant articles in multiple databases and analyzed the studies for their methods, results, and conclusions. They also analyzed the studies for the specific natural antioxidants used, the mechanisms of action, and the effects on skin cells and tissues. They have selected studies that have used in vivo and in vitro models, and clinical studies.

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Results:

The authors found that natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols, have potential protective effects on the skin against solar radiation through multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms include scavenging of UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the activation of signaling pathways involved in skin damage and aging. The authors also found that natural antioxidants can protect skin cells and tissues from UV-induced DNA damage, apoptosis (cell death), and abnormal proliferation. The study also found that oral or topical administration of natural antioxidants may have protective effects on skin.

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Conclusion:

The study concludes that natural antioxidants have potential protective effects on the skin against solar radiation through multiple mechanisms. The authors suggest that the use of natural antioxidants in skin care products can provide an additional layer of protection against UV radiation and may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of skin damage and aging, as well as skin cancer. However, the authors also note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and optimal concentrations of natural antioxidants for use in skin care products. The authors also suggest that the use of natural antioxidant-rich foods or supplements may also be beneficial for skin health. It is discussed how future research should focus on identifying natural antioxidants that are most effective for skin protection, and to study the combination of natural antioxidants for a synergistic effect.

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