9 emerging natural sunscreen ingredients
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A tropical plant found in the Americas, golden serpent fern is touted for its ability to help ease skin inflammation issues such as psoriasis. New research published this month in Alternative and Complementary Therapies shows it also has sun-protective potential, acting as an antioxidant and helping to combat effects of excessive UV exposure when taken orally. In the study, 7.5 mg/kg of a golden serpent fern extract significant reduced sun damage in individuals with light complexions.
The same research from Alternative and Complementary Therapies showed that applying green tea extract topically and taking it internally helped to maintain skin elasticity, which sun exposure can negatively affect. Plus, drinking a 2 to 3 percent green tea beverage reduced UVB skin damage.
No longer taking a back seat to honey, beeswax and royal jelly, this resin-like material that honeybees collect from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees is gaining popularity in skin care and supplements. Next could be sunscreens. When applied to mice, a 16 percent concentration propolis cream provided an SPF 20, according to research.
We know it’s one of the healthiest antioxidant-rich foods on earth, topping the ANDI list of the most nutrient-dense fruits. But a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry showed that strawberry extract—rich in antioxidants anthocyanidins and anthocyanins—also may display topical skin care benefits. According to the research, at a concentration of .5 mg/ml, strawberry extract helps to protect against UV radiation and reduce DNA damage.
When ingested, caffeinated beverages such as coffee may help fight UV-related skin cancer. But you don’t need to drink it to get the benefits: A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows caffeine has UV-fighting potential when applied topically as well.According to the research, it may help guard against certain skin cancers by inhibiting ATR, a protein enzyme in the skin, leading to 72 percent fewer cases of a form of skin cancer called squamos cell carcinomas in mice. This adds to caffeine's other topical benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation and cellulite.
Found in the skins of grapes, some berries, raisins, peanuts and cocoa, this potent antioxidant has been gaining attention as a key antiaging ingredient for its ability to fight free-radical damage from the inside. A more recent study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, showed that grape flavonoid antioxidants may also help prevent UVA and UVB damage when applied topically.
The main antioxidant in tomatoes, lycopene decreases inflammation and inhibits a tumor-promoting enzyme when applied to skin. U.K. research also has reported that consuming tomato paste may protect against sunburn and sun-induced skin aging. About 5 tablespoons tomato paste with 10 grams olive oil daily to 10 volunteers for 12 weeks increased their UV protection by 33 percent, compared to 10 control subjects.
This Ayurvedic spice helps to fight skin-damaging free radicals and tame inflammation. Plus, new research further supports its ability to prevent sun-related skin aging. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, turmeric has photo-protective qualities, plus helps increase sebum production for overall skin hydration and restoration.
In addition to impressive antioxidant and nutrient values (chlorophyll, B vitamins, beta-carotene and fatty acids), this algae also has UV-fighting potential, reports Harvard Medical School. The reason: Blue-green algae is photosynthetic, meaning it gets energy from sunlight. Because not all sun’s rays are beneficial to blue-green algae, it filters out harmful ones, producing small molecules that shield it from solar radiation. This action is much like UV-protective ingredients used in sunscreen.
In addition to impressive antioxidant and nutrient values (chlorophyll, B vitamins, beta-carotene and fatty acids), this algae also has UV-fighting potential, reports Harvard Medical School. The reason: Blue-green algae is photosynthetic, meaning it gets energy from sunlight. Because not all sun’s rays are beneficial to blue-green algae, it filters out harmful ones, producing small molecules that shield it from solar radiation. This action is much like UV-protective ingredients used in sunscreen.
Thanks to an increasing body of research on the UV-protective qualities of fruits, herbs and other plant-based ingredients, sunscreen manufacturers will soon tap more than minerals and chemicals for their formulations.
Beyond resveratrol and lycopene, which have been gaining momentum as plant-based sun care for several years, new research highlights propolis, strawberries, turmeric and more.
Check out the leading contenders with this roster of ingredients showing promise both for topical and ingestible applications.
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