Feeding skin from within: Lycored’s tomato-based Lumenato boosts collagen and ceramide levels, research finds

18 Nov 2021 --- New research is building upon previous evidence that Lumenato – Lycored’s ingestible skincare extract made from golden tomato – not only boosts collagen but also supports ceramides and protects them from oxidation.

“This study highlights its far-reaching benefits, with specific advantages for the vast number of consumers worldwide who suffer from dry skin as the result of a compromised skin barrier,” notes Elizabeth Tarshish, Lycored’s head of clinical affairs.

“Lumenato restores the balance of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, providing benefits for skin moisture, elasticity and redness.”

Ceramide levels decline rapidly with age, affecting the skin's elasticity and toughness and leading to fine lines, saggy skin, dryness and lack of radiance.

Golden tomato’s effect on gene activity
The first phase of the study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined Lumenato’s impact when applied to cultured human cells.

The tests demonstrated that the extract increases the activity of genes that work to enhance collagen production, control inflammation and oxidative stress, and contribute to tissue healing and protection.

Lumenato is a natural, vegan-friendly carotenoid complex that preserves and enhances collagen and ceramide levels.In addition, the carotenoids and tocopherols in Lumenato were shown to strengthen the skin barrier and help it cope with environmental challenges.

The second phase saw women aged between 35 and 60 consume Lumenato once a day for 16 weeks to evaluate changes in skin condition.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed significant benefits for participants with an impaired skin barrier, including improvements to skin smoothness and hydration as well as reductions in redness and pore size.

Patented for composition and skin benefits, the extract is also allergen-free, gluten-free, kosher, halal and Non-GMO Project-Verified. It is ideal for supplements as well as food and beverages, with low viscosity, a neutral taste profile and no coloration.

Appetite for beauty
Previous Lycored research found that the consumer focus on beauty and the role diet plays in it has increased during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Over a third (35%) of consumers surveyed stated that their focus on looking after themselves had increased during lockdown, compared to 28%who said it had decreased.

While the appetite for beauty is prevalent on a global scale, other reports by brands have underscored significant potential for ingestible beauty NPD in China, particularly for functional drinks manufacturers.

Ingestible beauty in the spotlight
Both beauty-from-within and clean beauty continue to see significant growth as consumers continue to recognize the significant roles that nutrition and natural ingredients can play within the body in supporting healthy aging, hair and skin health.

A roundtable of ingestible beauty experts previously spoke to NutritionInsight about probiotics, botanical ingredients and collagen varieties that can support skin health from within.

In a separate feature, experts from ADM and Lubrizol Life Science shared their insights on the gut-skin axis’ potential for healthy skin, as well as on “immuno-cosmetics” and botanicals with epidermis-boosting properties.

As NPD targeting the gut-skin axis surges in the ingestible beauty space, Dermala recently extended its product line-up formulated to target consumers’ specific needs, such as acne and skin blemishes. In other moves, Florajen Probiotics launched its first skin health product, Florajen Eczema, a refrigerated medical food that is clinically shown to reduce atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema.

Other recent launches include beauty-from-within supplements based on fermented bilberry containing polycatechocyanidins; functional chocolate for skin, hair and nail health; biomimetic vegan collagen; and ingredients that slow down aging at the cellular level.

By Benjamin Ferrer

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