Ingestible beauty tomato extract Lumenato protects skin from type III collagen damage

21 May 2021 --- New research indicates Lycored’s ingestible tomato extract Lumenato can help prevent the loss of type III collagen. This form of collagen, which is critical for skin health, decreases in response to inflammatory cytokines, known to be induced by UV and other skin issues. 

Published in PLoS One 2021, the new study further reveals Lumenato defends against type III collagen loss by balancing oxidative stress and reducing the free radicals secreted by neutrophils.

“This research shows that Lumenato could play an important role in balancing the skin’s response. With high concentrations of phytofluene and phytoene, Lumenato harnesses the natural power of the tomato to support the skin from the inside out and help us age beautifully,” says Karin Hermoni, head of Lycored’s product and science at Lycored.

Both internal and environmental challenges may accelerate skin aging, which can initiate “a cascade of events,” Hermoni flags, listing inflammatory and oxidative damage, collagen degradation and visible skin aging. 

Lumenato at the ingredient level.Lumenato is a synergistic blend of natural tomato nutrients and antioxidants with benefits for beauty and skin wellness. Launched in 2019, Lumenato is the company’s second flagship ingredient after Lycomato.

Lumenato skin protection
The results suggest Lumenato induces low levels of type III collagen that may contribute to skin health. Adding neutrophils to fibroblasts caused nearly a quarter of the type III collagen damage but was prevented in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of Lumenato. 

Lumenato further increased the concentration of pro-type III collagen, but only by a few pg per mL. The researchers suggest this indicates most of the reduced collagen damage in the presence of Lumenato is not the result of its synthesis but protection from neutrophil damage.

Beauty-from-within trends
Lumenato is an extract derived from golden tomatoes, containing high levels of the colorless carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, rare in foods. It is touted as helping skin “age beautifully” by boosting its ability to maintain natural radiance and inner glow. 

Beauty requires a holistic approach in combination with a healthy diet. Lycored research from 2019 revealed 98 percent of global consumers agreed that “good nutrition is necessary to achieve a healthy glow.” Notably, Innova Market Insights pegged “Eat Pretty” as one of its top ten trends for 2020.

The market researcher also observes beauty-from-within has been given “a whole new meaning” as the F&B market sees a growing number of launches that border on the cosmeceutical. Products carrying health claims related to skin, hair and cell protection are rising, with trends such as clean beauty and naturality in ingredients driving innovation in this space.

Edited by Anni Schleicher