Background Cellular metabolism and exposure to solar irradiation result in generation of free radicals which are destructive and can lead to premature aging. Antioxidants and free radical scavengers such as carotenoids successfully protect from these free radicals by quenching and neutralizing them thereby strengthening skin barrier which leads to improved skin moisturization, desquamation, and a more youthful look. This study was designed to evaluate the consumer‐perceived efficacy of an oral supplement (Lumenato™) containing a mix of tomato carotenoids and oil‐soluble vitamins in improving skin appearance after 12 weeks of supplement use. Materials and Methods Plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, zeta‐carotene, and lycopene were quantitated before and after 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐week administration of Lumenato by 24 healthy volunteers. Part II of the study addressed skin visual attributes as assessed by validated tools (questionnaires). A total of 60 females, aged 35 to 55 years, completed part II of the study. The subjects answered questionnaires pertaining to their assessment of skin appearance before and after 12 weeks of taking the supplement. Results There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, and zeta‐carotene after 1‐ to 4‐week treatment with Lumenato. After 12 weeks of using the supplement, the score of different skin parameters was reported to significantly improve (p < 0.001). Improvement was recorded in skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles. A significant (p < 0.001) improvement in overall skin condition after using the supplement was observed. The subjects noticed statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles after 12 weeks of using the supplement. The overall skin condition also exhibited a significant improvement (p < 0.001). Self‐assessed improvement of the face was identified at the first time point (4 weeks) and improved significantly (p < 0.001) for the 12 weeks of use. Interestingly, these improvements persisted even after treatment was stopped. Conclusion Based on the confines and conditions of this study, the use of oral supplement containing a mix of tomato carotenoids significantly increased plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, and zeta‐carotene, and continuous use resulted in improved facial skin attributes which were palpable by the consumers and continued even after treatment was stopped.

Backround: Healthy and a youthful appearance is a common desire of the aging population. "Beauty from within" involves using nutrition and nutraceuticals to support skin function for reducing and reversing signs of aging such as wrinkles, pigmentary changes, skin laxity, and dullness. Carotenoids possess strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and are effective in improving skin barrier and could thereby stimulate "beauty from within" by providing endogenous support to reduce the expressions of aging.Aim: This study was designed to determine whether 3-month supplementation with Lycomato would improve skin condition.Method: A panel of 50 female subjects used Lycomato capsules as nutritional supplements for 3 months. Skin status was observed via questionnaires for the assessment of skin condition and expert visual grading of facial markers such as wrinkles, tonality, roughness, laxity, and pore size. Skin barrier was assessed using transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Measurements were obtained before treatment and after 4 and 12 weeks of use. Results:Results indicated a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in skin barrier as measured by TEWL after 12 weeks of consuming the supplement. There was also a significant improvement in skin tonality, lines and wrinkles, pore size, and skin firmness as observed by expert evaluation as well as subject self-assessment. Conclusion:Based on the confines and conditions of this study, oral supplementation with Lycomato resulted in significant improvement in skin barrier. Visual appearance of lines and wrinkles, skin tonality, pores, smoothness, and firmness were considerably improved, and these improvements were found to be substantially discernible by the subjects.

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit that is eaten throughout the world. Tomatoes are rich in nutrients including vitamin C, potassium, essential amino acids, and various antioxidants. Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the potent antioxidant lycopene. Tomato consumption was demonstrated to provide protection against oxidative stress-related diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. 1,2 The use of dietary supplements has been increasing worldwide.A survey of consumers in the United States covering 2015-2019 revealed upward trends in the use of various supplements. 3 Among the most used supplements are, in order of decreasing use: fish oil, glucosamine/chondroitin, probiotics/prebiotics, melatonin, coenzyme Q10, echinacea, cranberry pills, garlic extract, ginseng, and gingko biloba. Some of these supplements have demonstrated health benefits, while the effects of others are controversial.

The Mediterranean diet, and particularly tomato rich diet is linked to favorable effects on human health and beauty. The benefits of healthy diverse nutrition on various aspects of skin wellness have been the subject of on‐going research. In recent years the role of tomato carotenoids in the photo‐protection of human skin and their contribution to beauty parameters has been gaining attention. As UV damage is a major risk factor for skin health and a major contributor to skin aging processes, protecting human skin from UV damage is of great value.The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a supplement combining a carotenoid‐rich Tomato Nutrient Complex and Rosemary extract on cellular processes related to skin wellness and protection from UV damagePre‐clinical study in human keratinocytes revealed that both the Tomato Nutrient complex and the Carnosic acid present in Rosemary extract are potent activators of the antioxidant defense mechanism (EpRE/ARE). Furthermore, a synergistic inhibition of pro‐inflammatory cellular processes was evident. For example‐we found a synergistic inhibition of UV‐induced IL‐6 secretion following UV treatment. Of note, the effect of the whole fruit extract, containing several tomato phytonutrients was better than lycopene as a standalone as measured in several models. To further explore the mechanism by which the Tomato Nutrient Complex can help reduce photo‐damage we evaluated its protective effect in a human clinical trial. We found that tomato phytonutrients regulated the expression of a few UV‐inducible genes serving as biomarkers to skin health (eg ICAM‐I, HO‐1, MMP‐1). Moreover, preliminary results from a follow up study suggest that a supplement designed as a response to the pre‐clinical study and combining Tomato Nutrient Complex and Rosemary extract was protective in reducing erythema intensity following UV exposure.In conclusionThis study suggests that tomato phytonutrients, especially when combined with Rosemary extract possess favorable, synergistic effects on various aspects of skin health, supporting the body's own defense mechanisms and allowing the skin to better cope with environmental challenges that are reflected in both skin health and skin appearance.Support or Funding InformationThis study was founded by Lycored Ltd

Objectives To demonstrate that the combination of carotenoids and polyphenols produce a synergistic photo-protective effect from UV-induced damage to skin cells. Mechanistically, this can be partially explained by modulation of the NFkB and antioxidant response element/Nrf2 (ARE/Nrf2) transcription systems that are important in this process. Methods In skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts, we analyzed the effects of carotenoids and polyphenol combinations on ARE/Nrf2 and NFkB transcriptional activity (measured by reporter gene assays), as well as on UVB-induced IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) expression (measured by ELISA). Results A combination of Tomato Nutrient Complex (containing lycopene) with rosemary extract (containing carnosic acid) synergistically inhibited NFkB and activated ARE/Nrf2 transcription systems in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. This combination of phytonutrients also synergistically inhibited the UVB-induced release of the cytokine IL-6. Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNFα induce the expression of MMPs, which leads to collagen breakdown. We found that MMP-1 secretion was induced in human dermal fibroblasts by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Pre-treatment of these cells with carnosic acid resulted in reduced MMP-1 protein levels. These in-vitro results suggest beneficial effects of phytonutrient combinations on skin health. To assure that, clinical experiments to prove such effects in humans are feasible, we checked the human bioavailability of carotenoids from Tomato Nutrient Complex and found nearly a two-fold increase in their plasma concentrations. Conclusions This study demonstrates that combination of dietary carotenoids and polyphenols synergistically inhibit UV-induced skin cell damage. The NFKB and ARE/Nrf2 transcription systems are likely involved in these effects. Funding Sources Lycored.