Protective effects of a topical antioxidant complex containing vitamins C and E and ferulic acid against ultraviolet irradiation-induced photo damaged in Chinese women

 

Abstract

Obective: The objective of the study was to investigate whether a topical antioxidant complex containing vitamins C and E and ferric acid can protect solar-simulated ultraviolet irradiation (ssUVR)–induced acute photo damage in human skin.

Method: Twelve healthy female Chinese subjects were enrolled in this study. Four unexposed sites on dorsal skin were marked for the experiment. The products containing antioxidant complex and vehicle were applied onto 2 sites, respectively, for 4 consecutive days. On day 4, the antioxydant complex-teated site, the vehicle-treated site, and the untreated site (positive control) received ssUVR (5 times the minimal erythema dose). The fourth site (negative control) received neither ssUVR nor treatment. Digital photographs were taken, and skin colour was measured pre- and post irradiation. Skin biopsies were obtained 24 hours after exposure to ssUVR, for hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical.

Results: A single, 5 times the minimal erythema dose of ssUVR substantially induced large amounts of sunburn cell formation, thymine dimer formation, over expression of p53 protein, and depletion of CD1a+ Langerhans cells. The antioxidant complex containing vitamins C and E and ferric acid conferred significant protection against biological events compared with other irradiated sites.

Conclusion: A topical antioxidant complex containing vitamins C and E and ferric acid has potential photo protective affects against ssUVR-induced acute photo damage in human skin.

Journal of Drugs and Dermatology 2013;12(4):464-468

Yan Wu, MD PhD; Xin Zheng; Que-Gang Xu MD; Yuan-Hong Li MD PhD; Bin Wang PhD; Xing-Hua Gao MD PhD; Hong-Duo Chen MD; Maragarita Katskayer MS; Christian Orasajo PhD