LycoRed Ltd. conducted a small pilot study to examine the effect of its oral lycopene formulation, Lyc-O-Mato, to protect the skin from sunburn. The study included 10 adult men and women, half of whom consumed 85mg of Lyc-O-Mato 6 percent capsules twice daily, and the other half, a placebo twice daily. At the end of 10 weeks, the subjects were exposed to two minimal erythemal doses of UV radiation from a solar simulator. Their skin cells were biopsied and assessed 24 hours later.

According to Zohar Nir, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science in Rohovot, Israel, and vice president of new product development for LycoRed, those participants receiving the Lyc-O-Mato supplement experienced a sunburn cell count six times lower than that of the placebo group. There was also evidence of reduced depletion of Langerhans cells in the Lyc-O-Mato group, which, Dr. Nir says is important because “depletion of Langerhans cells negatively affects the important immune function of the skin.” The mechanism behind Lyc-O-Mato, which contains 5 mg of pure lycopene, along with a combination of such tomato-derived phytonutrients as phytoene, phytofluene, beta-carotene, tocopherols and phytosterols, is simple, says Dr. Nir. “The interaction of radiation with the skin creates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lycopene is the most effective quencher of the ROS free radicals responsible for oxidative stress and hence, damage of the skin.”

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In your 20s and 30s, skin care is still more about prevention than cure.   As such, the best face creams are the ones that nourish your skin and lend it the protection it needs from harmful elements.  With lines and creases still not that likely a pressing problem, you need to focus on products that will help retain your skin’s natural health.

Daytime Moisturizers. In your 20s, finding the best face cream moisturizer is all about protective qualities.  As such, pick one that has a minimum SPF of 15 that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.  Use it generously throughout your face, neck and chest for best results.

For your 30s, you need the best face cream moisturizers with minimum SPF of 20 plus UVA/UVB protection.  Additionally, you want to pick up products containing a good amount of antioxidants (green tea and vitamin C are good options) to help protect your skin from free radicals.  An eye cream that aims to treat both fine lines and puffiness should be worn daily.

It goes without saying that, at either age, you should choose products specifically designed for your skin type.

Nighttime Face Creams. During night use, the best face cream for those in their 20s are either hydrating fluids or oil-free moisturizers that contain retinol.  For thirtysomethings, moisturizers containing prescription-grade retinoids may be in order, so consult your dermatologist.