Green tea polyphenols provide photoprotection, increase microcirculation, and modulate skin properties of women
Heinrich U
Published in Journal of Nutrition
Methodology
Twelve-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a green tea polyphenol beverage (1402 mg catechins/day); photoprotection, skin structure and function measured at weeks 0, 6 and 12, plus a separate randomised single-dose study at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g.
Key Findings
60 women were randomised to a beverage providing 1402 mg total green tea catechins daily or a control beverage for 12 weeks. After exposure to 1.25 minimal erythemal dose from a solar simulator, UV-induced erythema fell significantly in the intervention group by 16% at 6 weeks and 25% at 12 weeks. Skin elasticity, roughness, scaling, density and water homeostasis were positively affected, and blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin increased; a separate single-dose study found blood flow peaked 30 minutes after ingestion.
Conclusions
In summary, green tea polyphenols delivered in a beverage were shown to protect skin against harmful UV radiation and helped to improve overall skin quality of women.
Limitations
Sixty healthy women only, 12 weeks duration, and many skin parameters were measured, so some positive findings may reflect multiple comparisons; results may not extend to men or to real sun exposure.
Supplements Studied
Green tea polyphenols delivered in a beverage were shown to protect skin against harmful UV radiation and helped to improve overall skin quality of women.
Outcomes Measured
In summary, green tea polyphenols delivered in a beverage were shown to protect skin against harmful UV radiation and helped to improve overall skin quality of women.
In summary, green tea polyphenols delivered in a beverage were shown to protect skin against harmful UV radiation and helped to improve overall skin quality of women.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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