Six ways carotenoids and collagen work well together

There are several different ways in which carotenoids
and collagen work synergistically. Here are six of the
most important:

         1)Creating the optimal microenvironment for collagen to thrive

Collagen is sensitive to degradation caused by
inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in increased
perceived skin aging. Balancing these processes is
therefore critical to maintaining a healthy collagen
network over time. Carotenoids can boost our inner collagen network
by creating a healthy skin aging environment in
which it can thrive. This is the result of several cellular
mechanisms, including the reduction of enzyme activity
involved in collagen degradation, as well as anti-oxidative
and anti-inflammatory pathways.

          2) Balancing MMPs

MMPs (Matrix metallopeptidases) are a family of
proteins with a role in the degradation of proteins in
the extracellular matrix. MMP-1 in particular is a photoaging marker and a key player in
collagen degradation. Modulating levels of MMP-1, along with other markers
such as ICAM-1 and HO-1, is important to boosting
natural collagen. Award-winning research commissioned by Lycored in
2017 found that oral intake of Tomato Nutrient Complex,
in contrast to placebo capsules, was associated with a
significant reduction of UVR-induced expression of MMP-1.3

          3) Directly balancing collagen levels

Another factor in the degradation of collagen is the
recruitment to the skin of neutrophils following stress
challenge. These immune cells secrete proteolytic
enzymes, which are involved in collagen degradation.
Carotenoid supplementation can limit the collagen loss
initiated by neutrophils.

          4) Influencing overall skin appearance

Like collagen, carotenoids influence overall youthful
appearance. In a 12-week study measuring the density,
thickness and smoothness of skin, statistically significant
improvements were found in subjects who received an
antioxidant supplement containing Lycoderm™ 4 (Fig 2)
Furthermore, collagen and carotenoids can work
synergistically on two key elements of skin appearance.
Whereas collagen’s primary role is structural, carotenoids
have been shown to improve the color and therefore
attractiveness of the skin.

          5) Balancing UV

Unhealthy UV exposure is the most common preventable
cause of skin aging, and a major factor in perceived skin
aging.6 (Fig 3)
It is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress,
which increase the collagen degradation process and
influence core parameters related to skin texture and
appearance. Balancing these processes is critical to modulating the
collagen network and to addressing perceived skin aging.
The ability of Lycoderm™ to balance the skin’s response
to UV challenge is another reason to pair it with collagen.

          6) Healthy blood flow

Healthy blood flow associated with normal nutrient
delivery is one of the most important factors in skin
appearance. A “healthy glow” has been shown to
correlate with the presence of carotenoids in the
skin, and skin color from dietary carotenoids can
be interpreted as a sign of vitality and therefore
attractiveness.
One of the underlying mechanisms for
this may be improved blood flow. Meanwhile, collagen,
which represents as much as 40% of the total protein of
the vessel wall also has a key role in proteolytic
enzymes.