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Systemic photoprotection with α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) and β‐carotene
Author(s) -
Anstey A. V.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01040.x
Subject(s) - photosensitivity , erythropoietic protoporphyria , photoprotection , singlet oxygen , beta carotene , medicine , dermatology , antioxidant , vitamin e , skin cancer , tocopherol , chemistry , vitamin , cancer , photochemistry , biochemistry , protoporphyrin , oxygen , materials science , photosynthesis , porphyrin , optoelectronics , organic chemistry
Summary Cutaneous photodamage is partly mediated via oxidative pathways and there is evidence to suggest that antioxidants within the skin may have a photoprotective effect. Antioxidant activity is provided by a number of naturally occurring substances including α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) and β‐carotene, whose effects are mediated by their capacity to quench singlet oxygen, scavenge free radicals and prevent the formation of free radicals. Beta‐carotene has been used as treatment for various photosensitivity disorders for more than 30 years. The main indication for its use is in the treatment of the photosensitivity associated with erythropoietic protoporphyria. A role for β‐carotene in the prevention of non‐melanoma skin cancer has yet to be demonstrated despite clinical research activity in this area. The role for α‐tocopherol as a photoprotective agent is less clear‐cut and it has yet to be established as treatment either for conditions characterized by photosensitivity or as an agent for preventing chronic photodamage or cutaneous malignancy.