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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2016, 19(3): 206-213en  β-carotene in skin careJacek Arct, Magdalena Mieloch Academy of Cosmetics and Health Care, Warsaw, Poland Summary β-carotene is a potent antioxidant: it possesses a high antiradical activity and the ability to neutralize singlet oxygen. Due to these, it can slow down skin ageing processes and prevent sun damage. In living tissues it is partly oxidized to retinal, thus constituting a source of vitamin A. Due to the mechanisms that limit its transformation, β-carotene intake does not pose any danger, even at high doses. The most important function of β-carotene is the protection against oxidative stress, as the compound constitutes a significant part of non-enzymatic protective mechanisms of the body. It protects the immune system from the damaging activity of the UVA radiation and reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, it stimulates the melanogenesis process, at the same time reducing the risks of sun-induced irritations, while additionally having anti-ageing properties. In vitro studies have revealed that β-carotene protects liquid crystal lipid structures from UV radiation, lowers the lipid oxidation level and inhibits proline oxidation in collagen, induced by UV radiation. Applied topically, β-carotene protects lipids in the intercellular matrix from oxidation. Cosmetic applications of β-carotene offer multiple benefits, as approximately 16% of this ingredient permeates the skin. However, its use is limited due to a well-established common belief that this pigment permanently changes skin tone when applied topically. Key words: karotene, antioxidants, antiradical, vitamin A, UV radiation, singlet oxygen |