Marc Joseph Nutrition - Blog

There’s a good amount of published research suggesting that the carotenoids (plant pigments) lutein and zeaxanthin may help to maintain vision and prevent the development of conditions such as age-related macular decline (AMD) and cataracts.

A recent study took a look at the potential benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin for skin health. Both nutrients are naturally found in the skin, and, as in the eye, are believed to have both antioxidant and light-filtering capability. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers found that groups of individuals given oral and topical lutein/zeaxanthin were significantly less affected by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Specifically, after just two weeks, the groups given daily oral lutein/zexanthin supplementation (6 mg lutein, 0.6 mg zeaxanthin), topical lutein/zeaxanthin application (5% liquid), or both oral supplements and topical application, had improved their sensitivity to UV radiation by 4 times, 2 times, and 6 times, respectively.

Not only did the carotenoids protect the study participants’ skin from UV radiation damage, but the nutrients also improved the lipid (fat) content, hydration, and elasticity of the skin.

Sun exposure is the primary way for people to get the extremely important and often deficient vitamin D. At the same time, too much sun exposure can damage the skin. Good intake of lutein and zeaxanthin may help to offset this potential risk.

Sources of Lutein & Zeaxanthin

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As discussed in other posts, limited amounts of regular sun exposure can help the body to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

It’s also clear, though, that excessive sun exposure may damage the skin and increase the risk for skin cancer. That’s why the recent trend toward frequent use of tanning salons, especially by young women, is especially concerning.

As noted in the article linked above, “Caucasian women between age 16 and 49 make up 70 percent of those who regularly visit tanning salons.”

And yet, this group of mostly fair-skinned people actually needs the least amount of sun exposure. It’s kind of scary when you read comments like this:

“I was a high school teacher, and I remember sending one girl to the school nurse because her skin was so leathery I thought she had a condition of some sort,” said Vivian Viloria-Fisher, the Suffolk County legislator who sponsored the measure. “The nurse just said, ‘Oh, she’s just been tanning at a salon.’ ”

Hopefully this trend of always trying to maintain a mid-summer beach tan will fade away, and people will start to once again value blemish-free skin that doesn’t leave people looking like wrinkled leather in their 30s and 40s.