SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif.—Some combinations go hand-in-hand: strawberry and banana, peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese. Cranberry and tomato—not so much. However, California-based BioOrganic Concepts found a way to make it work. The company introduced LycoMega®, a 100-percent natural, allergen-free combination of titrated lycopene derived from tomatoes; and omega-3 and -6 from cranberry seed oil, designed to protect skin from UVB rays and inflammation.
Lycopene works to block deteriorative effects of free radicals within the body and protects the keratinocytes (a type of epidermis cell) when exposed to UVB. Omega-3 and 6 have anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-6 also regulates blood circulation and aids against dry skin conditions and some diseases such as eczema. LycoMega also contains antioxidants such as tocopherols and tocotrienols (both members of the vitamin E family).
An in vitro study used cultures of human keratinocytes cells to determine how keratinocytes are affected by types of radiation. Typically, direct UVB exposure on keratinocytes induces apoptosis (a process of programmed cell death); however, when applying LycoMega, UVB-apoptosis was strongly inhibited, yielding better results than spinach, broccoli and grapes, according to the company.
Possible applications include anti-aging sun care and other skin protection products.
To read more about role lycopene, essential fatty acids and vitamin E play in skin health check out our upcoming digital issue "Capturing Skin's Beauty with Naturally Derived Ingredients" next Monday, April 30.
