Zosimo T. Literatus, R.M.T.
Breakthroughs

SOMETIMES, we consider fruits and vegetables as unlikely sources of compounds that can be used for direct skin care.

Not anymore. Scientific investigation makes it possible to understand organic foods better than before—to the extent of knowing what it can do other than intake benefits.

We have five organic ingredients used in skin care today—lycopene, resveratrol, grape seed extract, pomegranate extract, and genistein—that were reviewed by cosmetic physicians Allemann and Baumann last year and published in the Skin Therapy Letter. These ingredients are obtained primarily from food sources such as fruits and vegetables.

A powerful antioxidant, lycopene is a red-colored carotenoid found in red fruits and vegetables. Its preventive effect against sunlight-induced skin tumors have been proven in animal studies (mice). In human skin care, though, clinical data has remained sparse.

The extract of grape seed (Vitis vinifera) is rich in proanthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants with strong free radical
scavenging (FRS) activities.

It is a stronger FRS than vitamins C and E. It prevents the depletion of antioxidant defence components in the skin against ultraviolet B (UVB). It has possible, but unstudied, sunscreen properties. Its anti-aging property remains to be confirmed in human studies.

Promegranate extract is obtained from the reddish berry, including the juice, seed, and peel. Its phenolic component is reported a potent antioxidant.

The peel extract has restored catalase, peroxidise, and superoxidase dismutase activities. The fruit extract has ameliorated ultraviolet A-caused skin damage and protects against the adverse effects of UVB.

Resveratrol is an active component found in grapes, nuts, fruits, and red wine. It is antioxidative. When used on skin, it protects from damage caused by UVB. Its other effects on human skin and photoaging remain to be explored.

Genistein is an isoflavone obtained from soybeans with the capacity to inhibit UV-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (more familiarly known as DNA) damage. Its use topically protects the skin from UVB-induced damage. It can be found in such products as facial moisturizers, sunscreens, and other anti-aging skin care formulations.

American lawyer and political activist Ralf Nader has this to say: “The creation of beauty should offer a diverse opportunity filled with the fragrance of tolerance so that many can use their own tastes and definitions.”