UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Virtually all plants and animals protect themselves from the sun using vitamins C and E.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to see if a combination of topical vitamins C and E is better for UV protection to skin than an equivalent concentration of topical vitamin C or E alone.

METHODS:

We developed a stable aqueous solution of 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 1% alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). We applied antioxidant or vehicle solutions to pig skin daily for 4 days. We irradiated (1-5x minimal erythema dose) control- and antioxidant-treated skin using a solar simulator with a 295-nm band-pass filter. On day 5, we measured antioxidant protection factor, erythema, sunburn cells, and thymine dimers.

RESULTS:

The combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha-tocopherol provided significant protection against erythema and sunburn cell formation; either L-ascorbic acid or 1% alpha-tocopherol alone also was protective but the combination was superior. Application during 4 days provided progressive protection that yielded an antioxidant protection factor of 4-fold. In addition, the combination of vitamins C and E provided protection against thymine dimer formation.

CONCLUSION:

Appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from the combination of topical vitamins C and E. We suggest that these natural products may protect against skin cancer and photoaging.

• Authors: Jing-Yi Lin, M Angelica Selim, Christopher R Shea, James M Grichnik, Mostafa M Omar, Nancy A Monteiro-Riviere, Sheldon R Pinnell
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 48 Issue 6 Pg. 866-74 (Jun 2003) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12789176 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antioxidants
• Drug Combinations
• Pyrimidine Dimers
• Vitamin E
• Ascorbic Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Antioxidants (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Ascorbic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Drug Combinations
• Erythema (prevention & control)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Pyrimidine Dimers (biosynthesis)
• Sunburn (prevention & control)
• Swine
• Vitamin E (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)