Antioxidants In Anti-Aging Creams

– Carotenoids

• beta-carotene (Vitamin A precursor)
• lycopene
• lutein

Carotenoids are organic pigments that are naturally occurring in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some types of fungus and some bacteria. There are over 600 known carotenoids; they are split into two classes, xanthophylls (which contain oxygen) and carotenes (which are purely hydrocarbons, and contain no oxygen). Carotenoids in general absorb blue light. They serve two key roles in plants and algae: they absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis, and they protect chlorophyll from photodamage. In humans, carotenoids such as β-carotene are a precursor to vitamin A, a pigment essential for good vision, and carotenoids can also act as antioxidants.

Carotenoids are dietary antioxidants,which include lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. The sources of these natural free-radical-scavengers include green vegetables, carrots, and tomatoes. Although carotenoids work best synergistically, by themselves, lycopene was the strongest photoprotectant followed by lutein then beta-carotene. Formulating with these compounds has been tricky since they are pigments and influence the color of the cosmetic in the jar as well as on the skin. However, newer technologies are being developed that are resulting in colorless carotenoids.

beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family. Beta-carotene is a precursor that helps form retinol (vitamin A). It is converted to vitamin A in the liver as needed. Topically, beta-carotene is potentially a good antioxidant and can reduce the effects of sun damage, although this benefit is dose dependent.

Beta Carotene is a photoprotection constituent of carrot oil which reduces pigment formation by blocking tyrosinase receptors on the melanocyte. In doing so, the enzyme tyrosinase can’t “turn on” the melanocyte to produce melanin.