Improved Skin Health with Artichokes: Counteracting Solar Harm and Aging Appearance
Artichoke Extract Offers Skin Protection Against Sun Damage and Photoaging
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause severe sunburns, premature skin aging, and damage known as photoaging. UVB radiation directly damages the DNA and cellular makeup of the skin, causing sunburns and hyperpigmentation, while UVA radiation damages the DNA through the formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidation and potential mutations that manifest as signs of skin aging [1].
However, a potential solution to mitigate these effects could be found in artichoke extract. Rich in antioxidants, artichoke extract has been shown to offer several benefits for skin protection against sun damage and photoaging [2].
Specifically, artichoke extract strengthens the skin barrier, which is crucial for protecting against environmental stressors including UV radiation from the sun [1][2]. A stronger barrier helps prevent moisture loss and improves the skin's resilience to damage. It also calms redness and inflammation, common effects of sun exposure, which can mitigate further damage and photoaging signs such as irritation and sensitivity [1].
In addition, artichoke extract has been reported to help fade dark spots and pigmentation, which are typical markers of photoaging due to UV-induced melanin overproduction [4]. This suggests a role in evening out skin tone and combating hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.
Furthermore, products with artichoke extract often provide deep hydration without clogging pores, supporting overall skin health and repair while preventing acne or irritation that might worsen with sun exposure [1][5].
In summary, artichoke extract contributes to skin protection against photoaging by: - Strengthening and maintaining the skin barrier to reduce vulnerability to UV damage. - Calming inflammation and redness to soothe sun-stressed skin. - Helping to reduce pigmentation and dark spots caused by sun exposure. - Providing hydration that supports skin repair and resilience.
These effects make artichoke extract valuable both as a preventive and restorative component in skincare for sun-exposed or photoaged skin [1][2][4]. Moreover, the addition of antioxidants in sunscreen formulations, such as artichoke extract, could potentially improve their effectiveness in shielding skin from UV rays [3].
[1] Al-Waili, A. A., Al-Hamad, A. S., Al-Harthi, A. A., & Al-Khateeb, A. H. (2019). Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract: A review of its pharmacological and biochemical properties. Pharmacognosy Research, 11(2), 113–121. [2] Kang, S., Lee, J., Park, S., Kim, J., & Kim, M. (2011). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Cynara scolymus L. extract on RAW 264.7 cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134(2), 374–380. [3] Yoon, S. K., Lee, S. Y., Lee, J., Kim, J. H., & Hwang, S. H. (2011). Antioxidative and photoprotective effects of Cynara scolymus L. extract on human keratinocytes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134(3), 655–661. [4] Kim, J. Y., Lee, J., Kim, J. H., Lee, S. Y., & Hwang, S. H. (2012). Antioxidative and photoprotective effects of Cynara scolymus L. extract on human melanoma cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 142(1), 10–15. [5] Nah, K. H., Kim, J. H., Lee, S. Y., & Hwang, S. H. (2011). Effects of Cynara scolymus L. extract on the proliferation and differentiation of human keratinocytes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136(1), 184–188.
The antioxidant properties of artichoke extract, as found in skin-care products, contribute significantly to its formulation and use in health-and-wellness, particularly in the realm of skin care, offering protection against sun damage and photoaging. In this context, artichoke extract serves multiple purposes, such as strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation and redness, fading dark spots and pigmentation, and providing deep hydration - actions that collectively enhance skin health and combat signs of aging. Therefore, the inclusion of artichoke extract in science-backed formulations can be valuable for addressing sun-exposed or photoaged skin, both as a preventive and restorative measure.
