Lutein improves eye and skin health

A new study from Italian researchers demonstrates that lutein, when taken on a daily basis, can boost the skin's natural antioxidants, improving the skin's natural defense system. Lutein has long been known to promote eye health, and now, has been shown to also provide skin benefits.

The skin benefits of lutein include improved hydration, elasticity, and increased amount of superficial lipids in the skin. Lutein also seems to decrease the levels of oxidation; a degradative process which breaks down skin lipids and leads to skin which looks aged or worn.

In this study, lutein was given both orally (10mg) and topically (50ppm formulation) to female subjects in the 25-50 age range. Results were impressive, with this combined oral/topical approach increasing levels of skin hydration by 60%, skin lipids by 50%, and skin elasticity by 20%. Lutein also decreased oxidation of beneficial lipids by 55%.

Lutein is not naturally produced by the body and must be ingested daily through foods or nutritional supplements. Lutein can be gained from dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, collard greens, and spinach. It's also found in corn and egg yolks. Lutein is needed for proper functioning of eye, cervix, brain, breast, blood serum and skin tissues.

If you take a multivitamin regularly, make sure it contains lutein. Your skin will show the benefits.