Research published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2006;19(4):224–231) evaluated whether oral antioxidant supplementation could improve skin appearance and structure. Thirty-nine healthy subjects were divided into three groups: two groups received antioxidant supplements, and one group served as an unsupplemented control.
The antioxidant formulas differed slightly between the two supplemented groups, but included combinations of:
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Lycopene (3 mg/day in group one; 6 mg/day in group two)
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Lutein (3 mg/day in group one only)
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Beta-carotene (4.8 mg/day for both groups)
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Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) (10 mg/day for both groups)
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Selenium (75 mcg/day for both groups)
After supplementation, both antioxidant groups showed measurable improvements compared to controls. Using the Surface Evaluation of Living Skin (visioscan), researchers observed reduced roughness and scaling in the supplemented subjects. Ultrasound evaluation also demonstrated increased skin thickness and density in the groups receiving antioxidants.
These findings suggest that daily antioxidant intake may support healthier, smoother, and structurally stronger skin.
