Antioxidants May Protect Skin Against Light Therapy Side Effects

MCLEAN, Va.—The concurrent pneumatic topical application of polyphenolic antioxidants reduced lipid peroxidation and skin dehydration in intense pulsed light therapy (IPL)-treated skin in a recent study (J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009) (DOI:10.1080/14764170902984887). Researchers concluded polyphenolic antioxidants may confer a protective effect on facial skin and enhance the effects of IPL therapy. In a split-face study, 10 volunteers underwent three full-face IPL treatments (16 J/cm2, 10ms, 560nm filter) spaced three weeks apart. A polyphenolic antioxidant solution was pneumatically applied to the left side of the face, beginning immediately before the first IPL treatment then weekly for six treatments. The lipid peroxide concentration, skin antioxidant level and skin moisture content were obtained before and after the study. Skin treated with IPL alone contained a significantly higher concentration of lipid peroxides when compared to skin treated with IPL plus polyphenolic antioxidants (P<0.05). Skin treated with IPL alone contained a significantly lower level of polyphenolic antioxidants and had a significantly lower moisture content (P<0.05).

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