Lycored, an ingredients supplier specializing in tomato extracts, recently announced the publication of a study in the journal Molecules which identified the mechanism of action of Lycoderm, an ingestible skincare ingredient. They found that the blend of tomato and rosemary extracts could help to balance skin cells’ response to environmental challenges at the molecular level.
 
The pre-clinical study, “Combined Effects of Carotenoids and Polyphenols in Balancing the Response of Skin Cells to UV Irradiation,” provides the foundation for previous clinical trials which have linked the ingredient to improvements in overall skin condition, radiance, and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
 
The tests conducted in the present study found that the phytonutrients  in Lycoderm cooperate to inhibit inflammatory cytokines that lead to the degradation of skin collagen. Compared to rosemary leaf extract or tomato extract alone, the combination was found to inhibit the secretion of cytokines and balance markers of oxidative stress far more effectively.
 
“Although in the current study only a limited number of phytonutrients were used, the results strengthen the hypothesis that the additive and synergistic effects of phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables are important for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which protect skin from damage induced by sun exposure,” the authors of the study concluded – further, supplementation with tomato nutrients on top of a healthy diet could support healthy skin across all skin types and age groups, they said.
 
Additionally, in this study, 23 volunteers were administered two capsules of Lycoderm per day in order to assess the bioavailability of the supplement, and it was found that their plasma concentrations of the major tomato carotenoids almost doubled after a three-week supplementation period.
 
“When creating Lycoderm, we were aiming for the ultimate mix of carotenoids naturally present in the tomato alongside the polyphenols in natural rosemary leaf extract,” Karin Hermoni, head of product and science at Lycored, said. “This research shines a light on how these phytonutrients work together to nourish the body from the inside out, helping to maintain skin health and wellness to achieve an ‘inner glow.’”