Protective Effects of Oral Antioxidants on Skin and Eye Function

Background . Antioxidants applied topically and/or taken systemically may play an important role in counteracting the oxidative injury to lipids and proteins on the skin and eye that are provoked by radical oxygen species. Objective . The aim of the study was to control photoprotective activity of the skin and eye through the use of oral antioxidants in 50 smoker volunteers (10 cigarettes/d) aged between 25–36 years and affected by dry skin. Methods . Oxidative stress was assessed by a randomized double‐blind study, and the ROS‐Meter System (Dermotech, Rome, Italy). Global visual function was determined by the use of different visual surveillance tests. Results . A 40% decrease of oxidative stress in blood serum was verified, with a clear relationship between global visual function and the oral intake of an oxygenated carotenoid (lutein). Conclusions . Carotenoids used as nutritional supplements seem to play an interesting photoprotective role for both skin and eyes, eventually increasing the activity of topical sunscreens.