Advantages of artichokes for skin wellness: countering solar harm and early aging signs
Artichoke Extract Enhances Sunscreen Benefits for Skin Health
In a promising development for skincare, the addition of artichoke extract to sunscreen formulations could offer significant benefits for skin health. This natural ingredient, rich in antioxidants and nutrients, has been shown to combat photoaging and protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays.
Artichoke extract offers several advantages for skin protection. It is effective in fading dark spots and pigmentation, improving skin clarity, and reducing uneven tone caused by sun exposure [1][2]. Moreover, it soothes inflammation and redness, which are common after UV damage, thereby calming the skin [5].
One of the key benefits of artichoke extract is its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, enhancing the skin’s natural defenses against environmental aggressors, including UV radiation [5]. This property is particularly beneficial for melanin-rich and mixed skin types, as it clarifies and balances the skin without disrupting the natural balance [2].
These effects contribute to reducing visible signs of premature aging such as dark spots, uneven tone, and inflammation, complementing the physical UV blocking properties of sunscreen. Thus, a sunscreen with artichoke extract not only blocks UV rays but also provides antioxidant defense and skin barrier support that helps protect against long-term sun damage and photoaging.
Research has shown that UVB is the main form of solar radiation capable of causing sunburns and hyperpigmentation. UVA, on the other hand, damages the DNA and cellular structure of the skin through the formation of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidation of DNA and resulting in mutations that can manifest as skin aging signs [3].
Sunscreen formulations containing antioxidants have been found to be more effective in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Artichoke extract, with its rich antioxidant content, is an excellent addition to sunscreen formulas to protect against oxidation caused by sun exposure [4].
High levels of oxidation and free radicals can damage the cell membrane and lipoproteins, potentially leading to less water retention, fewer skin proteins, and various maintenance and protection problems [6]. The body naturally releases pro-inflammatory cytokines from keratinocytes due to DNA mutations caused by oxidation, which in turn causes enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin to be released, resulting in severe loss of collagen and skin elasticity [6].
Approximately 90% of all skin changes are due to photoaging, with photoaging causing deep wrinkles, finer skin texture, and hyperpigmentation [7]. With the thinning of the Earth's ozone layer, there is a potential risk of increased exposure to UVC, a type of UV ray that, while usually blocked by the ozone layer, could potentially cause severe sunburns with excessive exposure [8].
In conclusion, the addition of artichoke extract to sunscreen formulations provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pigmentation-fading, and barrier-strengthening benefits, enhancing skin protection and anti-aging properties. By combating photoaging and protecting the skin from UV damage, artichoke extract offers a promising solution for maintaining youthful, healthy skin.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6041501/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6867300/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673893/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6241562/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6867300/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6241562/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314156/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801572/
- The health-and-wellness industry is exploring ways to incorporate artichoke extract into health-promoting supplements, given its antioxidant properties and potential benefits for overall nutrition.
- With a healthy diet rich in nutrients, such as those found in artichoke extract, skin care becomes even more effective, as proper nutrition promotes skin health and integrity.
- Therapies and treatments incorporating artichoke extract may offer additional benefits for managing skin conditions, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- In the realm of health and wellness, artichoke extract is increasingly being recognized as a valuable ingredient offering a diverse range of benefits, from skin care to nutritional supplements.
